Otter Lake Diversion Dam
Key Takeaway
Otter Lake Diversion Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 11 ft (taller than 26.9% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 197 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 30.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 700 acres |
| Year Completed | 1979 (47 years old) |
| NID ID | MI02538 |
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
Houghton Co. Drain Commissioner
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Otter Lake Diversion Dam?
Otter Lake Diversion 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 Otter Lake Diversion Dam?
Otter Lake Diversion Dam is owned by Houghton Co. Drain Commissioner (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Otter Lake Diversion Dam built?
Otter Lake Diversion Dam was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Otter Lake Diversion Dam?
Otter Lake Diversion Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Otter Lake Diversion Dam?
Otter Lake Diversion Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Otter Lake Diversion Dam last inspected?
Otter Lake Diversion Dam was last inspected on August 8, 1989. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.