Indian Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Reservoir Report

Michigan

Nearby: Morley Dam Waltman Lake Retreat And Learning Center Dam

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Indian Lake Dam, located in Howard City, Michigan, is a private dam that was completed in 1966 for recreational purposes.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, situated on the North Branch Tamarack Creek, stands at a height of 11 feet and has a hydraulic height of 9.3 feet. With a storage capacity of 1320 acre-feet and a surface area of 182 acres, Indian Lake Dam offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Indian Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 17 feet and a maximum discharge rate of 32 cubic feet per second. Despite being categorized as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in satisfactory condition and meets the state's regulatory guidelines. With its rich history and stunning surroundings, Indian Lake Dam continues to be a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking relaxation and recreation in Montcalm County.

In the event of an emergency, the dam has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, although its last revision date was in December 2019. With a very high risk assessment ranking, the state has assigned a risk character summary of 1 to Indian Lake Dam, prompting the need for stringent risk management measures. Despite its risk potential, the dam remains a vital water resource for the community, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of this recreational gem in Michigan.

Year Completed	1966
Dam Length	900
Dam Height	11
River Or Stream	North Branch Tamarack Creek
Primary Dam Type	Earth
Surface Area	182
Hydraulic Height	9.3
Drainage Area	1.3
Nid Storage	1320
Structural Height	11
Hazard Potential	Significant
Nid Height	11

Explore Interactive Map

INDIAN LAKE DAM

Reservoir Report • Water Levels • Weather Forecast

December 5, 2025

Year_Completed	1966
Dam_Length	900
Dam_Height	11
River_Or_Stream	North Branch Tamarack Creek
Primary_Dam_Type	Earth
Surface_Area	182
Hydraulic_Height	9.3
Drainage_Area	1.3
Nid_Storage	1320
Structural_Height	11
Hazard_Potential	Significant
Nid_Height	11

Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove 164.0cfs	164cfs
Muskegon River Near Croton 1260.0cfs	1260cfs
Rogue River Near Rockford 126.0cfs	126cfs
Fish Creek Near Crystal 13.8cfs	14cfs
Grand River At Grand Rapids 1480.0cfs	1480cfs
Muskegon River At Evart 373.0cfs	373cfs

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.