Potters Lake Dam dam
Potters Lake Dam
Potters Lake Dam, also known as Potters Lake Level Control Structure, is a privately owned earth dam located in Davison, Michigan. Completed in 1947, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, creating a serene water body for visitors to enjoy. The dam stands at a height of 7.7 feet with a hydraulic height of 6.8 feet, and it has a storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet and a surface area of 130 acres.
Situated on Black Creek, Potters Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in November 2019. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 75 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 764 cubic feet per second. Despite not being regulated by the state, the dam contributes to the local ecosystem and provides a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities in the area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Potters Lake Dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural landscapes, showcasing the importance of responsible dam management and maintenance in preserving water resources for future generations.
Overall, Potters Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience. With its historical significance, recreational value, and moderate risk assessment rating, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human needs and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions. As we continue to monitor and assess the impact of dams like Potters Lake on water resources and surrounding ecosystems, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize sustainable practices and proactive measures to ensure the long-term viability of these vital infrastructure assets.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Potters Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Flint River Near Otisville | 298 cfs | → |
| Farmers Creek Near Lapeer | 28 cfs | → |
| Kearsley Creek Near Davison | 39 cfs | → |
| South Branch Flint River Near Columbiaville | 167 cfs | → |
| Flint River Near Flint | 500 cfs | → |
| Cass River At Frankenmuth | 318 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Potters Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Lake Nepessing, 414 Acres, Lapeer County
- Holloway Reservoir, 2000 Acres, Lapeer County
- Minnawanna Lake, Metamora Hadley State Park, Lapeer County
- Mott Lake -E, 650 Acres, Genesee County
- Blue Gill Boat Launch
- Sawmill Lake Road Hadley Township
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track Potters Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Potters Lake Dam
Where does the data for Potters Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Potters Lake Dam.