Orchard Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Orchard Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 8 ft (taller than 7.3% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 25 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 850 acres |
| Max Discharge | 160 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
| NID ID | MI02570 |
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
Oakland County Drain Commissioner
Private
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Significant Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Orchard Lake Dam?
Orchard Lake 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 Orchard Lake Dam?
Orchard Lake Dam is owned by Oakland County Drain Commissioner (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Orchard Lake Dam built?
Orchard Lake Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Orchard Lake Dam?
Orchard Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Orchard Lake Dam?
Orchard Lake Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Orchard Lake Dam last inspected?
Orchard Lake Dam was last inspected on November 26, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.