Lake Lapeer Lake Level Control Structure Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Lapeer Lake Level Control Structure, also known as White Sands Dam, is a privately owned dam located in Lapeer, Michigan, along Farmers Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1969, this earth dam stands at 29 feet tall and spans 759 feet in length, with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities for the local community. The dam has a storage capacity of 5365 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 3450 acre-feet and a surface area of 297 acres.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Lake Lapeer Control Structure is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 83 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 3563 cubic feet per second. Although classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 was deemed satisfactory, with a moderate risk rating.

With its picturesque setting and vital role in providing recreational opportunities and water resource management in the area, the Lake Lapeer Lake Level Control Structure serves as a key asset for the community. Its strategic location and design make it an essential component of the local landscape, offering both practical benefits and a source of enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

759

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

Farmers Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

297

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

35.8

Nid Storage

5365

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

29
       
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.