Iron Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Iron Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1837 and is 189 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 12 ft (taller than 32.7% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 115 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 276 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1837 (189 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00392 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner
Private
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Significant Hazard 18 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Iron Lake Dam?
Iron Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Iron Lake Dam?
Iron Lake Dam is owned by Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Iron Lake Dam built?
Iron Lake Dam was completed in 1837, making it 189 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Iron Lake Dam?
Iron Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Iron Lake Dam?
Iron Lake Dam has a dam height of 12 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Iron Lake Dam last inspected?
Iron Lake Dam was last inspected on August 18, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.