Waterloo Dam

Portage River· Jackson, Michigan· Built 1963· Earth· 16 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Waterloo Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 55.7% in MI)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage110 acre-ft
Normal Storage95 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge460 cfs
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDMI00130

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: September 20, 1992
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Carter Blocksma

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Waterloo Dam?

Waterloo 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 Waterloo Dam?

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

When was Waterloo Dam built?

Waterloo Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Waterloo Dam?

Waterloo 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 Waterloo Dam?

Waterloo Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Waterloo Dam last inspected?

Waterloo Dam was last inspected on September 20, 1992. 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.