Waterford Dam
Key Takeaway
Waterford Dam is classified as high hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1925 and is 101 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 21 ft (taller than 74.1% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 995 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 35 acres |
| Drainage Area | 54 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,845 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1925 (101 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00399 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Cascades of Northville
Private
Nearby Dams
Silver Spring Lake Dam
Wayne, MI
Low Hazard 16 ftPhoenix Dam
Wayne, MI
High Hazard 24 ftWilcox Dam
Wayne, MI
High Hazard 27 ftMeadowbrook Lake Dam
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 11 ftMaybury Fish Pond Dam
Wayne, MI
Significant Hazard 19 ftThornton District Detention Basin
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 11 ftLeavenworth Detention Pond Dam
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 9 ftTaft Road Regional Detention Basin
Oakland, MI
Low Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Waterford Dam?
Waterford Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Waterford Dam?
Waterford Dam is owned by Cascades of Northville (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Waterford Dam built?
Waterford Dam was completed in 1925, making it 101 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 Waterford Dam?
Waterford 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 Waterford Dam?
Waterford Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Waterford Dam last inspected?
Waterford Dam was last inspected on September 6, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.