Lake Orion Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Orion Dam is classified as significant hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1829 and is 197 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 18 ft (taller than 63.6% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 760 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 3.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 470 acres |
| Drainage Area | 37 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,010 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1829 (197 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00259 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Village of Lake Orion
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Indianwood Lake Dam
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 13 ftDuck Lake Dam
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 15 ftIndian Lake Dam
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 20 ftUpper Trout Lake Dam
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 11 ftPrince Lake Dam
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 20 ftLower Trout Lake Dam
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 25 ftOxford Multi-Lakes Control Structure
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 12 ftLake Araho Dam
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Orion Dam?
Lake Orion Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lake Orion Dam?
Lake Orion Dam is owned by Village of Lake Orion (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Orion Dam built?
Lake Orion Dam was completed in 1829, making it 197 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 Orion Dam?
Lake Orion Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Orion Dam?
Lake Orion 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 Orion Dam last inspected?
Lake Orion Dam was last inspected on July 23, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.