Vitton Dam

Boston Creek· Houghton, Michigan· Built 1960· Earth· 7 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Vitton Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 7 ft (taller than 1.3% in MI)
Dam Length1,100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage300 acre-ft
Normal Storage300 acre-ft
Surface Area107 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDMI00484

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: December 6, 2000
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Florence Vitton

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Vitton Dam?

Vitton 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 Vitton Dam?

Vitton Dam is owned by Florence Vitton (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Vitton Dam built?

Vitton Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Vitton Dam?

Vitton Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Vitton Dam?

Vitton 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 Vitton Dam last inspected?

Vitton Dam was last inspected on December 6, 2000. 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.