Lake Isabella Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Isabella Dam is classified as high hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 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 | 41 ft (taller than 94.9% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 3,010 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 13.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 730 acres |
| Drainage Area | 416 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 11,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00434 |
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 Isabella Corporation
Private
Nearby Dams
Weidman Mill Pond Dam
Isabella, MI
Significant Hazard 12 ftWeidman Development Dam
Isabella, MI
Significant Hazard 14 ftWalker Creek Dam #1
Isabella, MI
Low Hazard 17 ftWalker Creek Dam #2
Isabella, MI
Significant Hazard 18 ftGeorgia John Farms Dam
Mecosta, MI
Low Hazard 15 ftBlanchard Pond Dam
Isabella, MI
Low Hazard 12 ftBabcocks Pond Dam
Isabella, MI
Low Hazard 18 ftThompson Dam
Isabella, MI
Low Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Isabella Dam?
Lake Isabella 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 Isabella Dam?
Lake Isabella Dam is owned by Lake Isabella Corporation (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Isabella Dam built?
Lake Isabella Dam was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Isabella Dam?
Lake Isabella 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 Isabella Dam?
Lake Isabella Dam has a dam height of 41 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 Isabella Dam last inspected?
Lake Isabella Dam was last inspected on July 18, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.