Lower Canadian Lakes Dam

Cedar Creek· Mecosta, Michigan· Built 1965· Earth· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lower Canadian Lakes Dam is classified as significant hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 79.7% in MI)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.3K acre-ft
Surface Area361 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge250 cfs
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDMI00408

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 19, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Canadian Lakes Property Owners Assn

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Canadian Lakes Dam?

Lower Canadian Lakes 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 Lower Canadian Lakes Dam?

Lower Canadian Lakes Dam is owned by Canadian Lakes Property Owners Assn (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Canadian Lakes Dam built?

Lower Canadian Lakes Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Lower Canadian Lakes Dam?

Lower Canadian Lakes 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 Lower Canadian Lakes Dam?

Lower Canadian Lakes Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Lower Canadian Lakes Dam last inspected?

Lower Canadian Lakes Dam was last inspected on October 19, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.