Sunset Lake Dam, also known as Lee Paper Company Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Vicksburg, Michigan, along Gourdneck Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1850, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 11.06 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a normal storage capacity of 320 acre-feet. Its controlled spillway, with a width of 10 feet, helps manage a maximum discharge of 729 cubic feet per second. The dam's hazard potential is categorized as high, yet its condition assessment as of July 2020 was deemed satisfactory.
Managed by the Michigan Department of Great Lakes, Energy, and Environment (DEGLE), Sunset Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its operational safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam's risk assessment is classified as very high, prompting the need for effective risk management measures. Despite its age, Sunset Lake Dam continues to provide a recreational oasis for the local community, offering a scenic 97-acre surface area for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the resilience and maintenance of dams like Sunset Lake Dam are increasingly vital in safeguarding both the environment and public safety.
Year Completed |
1850 |
Dam Length |
1040 |
Dam Height |
11.06 |
River Or Stream |
Gourdneck Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
97 |
Hydraulic Height |
8.38 |
Drainage Area |
37 |
Nid Storage |
690 |
Structural Height |
11.06 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
11 |