Oronoko Lakes Dam

Lemon Creek· Berrien, Michigan· Built 1917· Earth· 7 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Oronoko Lakes Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1917 and is 109 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 7 ft (taller than 1.3% in MI)
Dam Length0 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage83 acre-ft
Normal Storage33 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1917 (109 years old)
NID IDMI02450

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 5, 2011
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Pete Bottinie

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Oronoko Lakes Dam?

Oronoko Lakes 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 Oronoko Lakes Dam?

Oronoko Lakes Dam is owned by Pete Bottinie (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Oronoko Lakes Dam built?

Oronoko Lakes Dam was completed in 1917, making it 109 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 Oronoko Lakes Dam?

Oronoko 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 Oronoko Lakes Dam?

Oronoko Lakes Dam has a dam height of 7 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 Oronoko Lakes Dam last inspected?

Oronoko Lakes Dam was last inspected on October 5, 2011. 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.