Waterloo Dam

River Raisin· Monroe, Michigan· Built 1977· Gravity· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Waterloo Dam is classified as significant hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 32.7% in MI)
Dam Length420 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage768 acre-ft
Normal Storage140 acre-ft
Surface Area29 acres
Drainage Area1,059 sq mi
Max Discharge16,500 cfs
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)
NID IDMI00680

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 7, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

City of Monroe

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Waterloo Dam?

Waterloo Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. 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 City of Monroe (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Waterloo Dam built?

Waterloo Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 12 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 November 7, 2017. 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.