Lake Independence Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Independence Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 14 ft (taller than 44.8% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 16.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,071 acres |
| Drainage Area | 95 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00438 |
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
Marquette County Drain Commissioner
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Independence Dam?
Lake Independence 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 Independence Dam?
Lake Independence Dam is owned by Marquette County Drain Commissioner (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Independence Dam built?
Lake Independence Dam was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Independence Dam?
Lake Independence 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 Independence Dam?
Lake Independence Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Independence Dam last inspected?
Lake Independence Dam was last inspected on October 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.