Lake 13 Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake 13 Dam is classified as high hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 19 ft (taller than 67.3% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 75 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 950 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 88 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 96 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00044 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Lake 13 Association
Private
Nearby Dams
Farwell Mill Pond Dam
Clare, MI
Low Hazard 18 ftFive Lakes Dam
Clare, MI
Low Hazard 8 ftMckays Dam
Clare, MI
Low Hazard 13 ftSurrey Lake Dam
Clare, MI
High Hazard 16 ftValdaloch Dam
Clare, MI
Low Hazard 14 ftHamlin Dam
Isabella, MI
Low Hazard 25 ftDuncan Dam
Isabella, MI
Low Hazard 27 ftThompson Dam
Isabella, MI
Low Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake 13 Dam?
Lake 13 Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lake 13 Dam?
Lake 13 Dam is owned by Lake 13 Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake 13 Dam built?
Lake 13 Dam was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Lake 13 Dam?
Lake 13 Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake 13 Dam?
Lake 13 Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Lake 13 Dam last inspected?
Lake 13 Dam was last inspected on October 14, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.