Lake Columbia Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Columbia Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 33 ft (taller than 91.8% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 73.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 56.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 800 acres |
| Drainage Area | 34 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00620 |
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
Lake Columbia Prop Owner
Private
Nearby Dams
Brooklyn Dam
Jackson, MI
High Hazard 22 ftLake Somerset Dam
Hillsdale, MI
Significant Hazard 31 ftLiberty Dam
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Significant Hazard 11 ftAddison Mill Pond Dam
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High Hazard 25 ftCrystal Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 10 ftLombard Lake Dam
Hillsdale, MI
Low Hazard 8 ftMirror Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 21 ftSpringville Mill Dam
Lenawee, MI
Significant Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Columbia Dam?
Lake Columbia 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 Lake Columbia Dam?
Lake Columbia Dam is owned by Lake Columbia Prop Owner (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Columbia Dam built?
Lake Columbia Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Columbia Dam?
Lake Columbia 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 Columbia Dam?
Lake Columbia Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Columbia Dam last inspected?
Lake Columbia Dam was last inspected on July 28, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.