Loon Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Loon Lake Dam, also known as Upper Hatchery Dam, is a private structure located in Drayton Plains, Michigan along the Clinton River.


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Summary

Completed in 1936, this earth and gravity dam stands at a height of 8 feet and spans 200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 3800 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves recreational purposes, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to its picturesque surroundings.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Loon Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. The dam's spillway, with a controlled design and a width of 25 feet, helps manage water discharge during peak flow events. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the condition assessment in 2019 deemed the dam to be satisfactory, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain its integrity and safety. Overall, Loon Lake Dam offers a blend of natural beauty and engineering marvel for visitors to enjoy and appreciate.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Clinton River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

467

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

73.5

Nid Storage

3800

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

8
       
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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.