Sunset Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sunset Lake Dam, also known as Lee Paper Company Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Vicksburg, Michigan, along Gourdneck Creek.


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Summary

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
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.