Van Etten Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Van Etten Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1947 and is 79 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 9 ft (taller than 14.1% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,320 acres |
| Drainage Area | 282 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1947 (79 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00737 |
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
Iosco County
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Van Etten Lake Dam?
Van Etten 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 Van Etten Lake Dam?
Van Etten Lake Dam is owned by Iosco County (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Van Etten Lake Dam built?
Van Etten Lake Dam was completed in 1947, making it 79 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 Van Etten Lake Dam?
Van Etten Lake 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 Van Etten Lake Dam?
Van Etten Lake Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Van Etten Lake Dam last inspected?
Van Etten Lake Dam was last inspected on June 28, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.