Lake James Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake James Dam is classified as high hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 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 | 18 ft (taller than 63.6% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 810 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 750 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 900 acres |
| Drainage Area | 41 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,120 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00347 |
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 James Property Owners Assoc
Private
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Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake James Dam?
Lake James 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 James Dam?
Lake James Dam is owned by Lake James Property Owners Assoc (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake James Dam built?
Lake James Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 James Dam?
Lake James 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 James Dam?
Lake James Dam has a dam height of 18 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 James Dam last inspected?
Lake James Dam was last inspected on September 21, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.