Waterford Multi-Lakes Level Control Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Waterford Multi-Lakes Level Control, also known as Van Norman Lake, is a private dam located in Waterford, Michigan.


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Summary

Completed in 1973, this earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, providing a surface area of 417 acres and a drainage area of 37 square miles. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 3800 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 2000 acre-feet, ensuring water resource management for the surrounding area.

This significant dam on the Clinton River has a spillway width of 40 feet and a controlled spillway type, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1520 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in June 2019, with a significant hazard potential due to its location. The risk assessment for the dam is very high (1), emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and potential risk management measures to ensure public safety and environmental conservation in the region.

With its picturesque setting and crucial role in water resource management for the community, Waterford Multi-Lakes Level Control stands as a key structure in the area. Its impact on the local environment, recreational opportunities, and flood control efforts make it a vital asset worth monitoring and maintaining for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Clinton River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

417

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

37

Nid Storage

3800

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

12
       
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.