Clintonville Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Clintonville Dam, also known as the Oakland-Woodhull Lake Dams, is a private dam located in Clintonville, Michigan.


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Summary

Completed in 1915, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 370 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 3,900 acre-feet. The dam, with a height of 14 feet and a length of 200 feet, controls the flow of the Clinton River and has a significant hazard potential.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), the Clintonville Dam undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. The dam's spillway is of a controlled type, with a width of 16 feet, and it has a very high risk assessment ranking. Despite this, the condition assessment in 2019 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition, with the emergency action plan (EAP) meeting guidelines.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Clintonville Dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of human-built infrastructure and natural ecosystems. With its location in a picturesque setting and its historical significance, the dam serves as a focal point for recreational activities while also demanding careful monitoring and risk management due to its potential impact on the surrounding environment and communities. The Clintonville Dam stands as a testament to the delicate balance between harnessing water resources for human use and safeguarding the natural world.

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Clinton River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

370

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

3900

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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.