Otter Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Otter Lake Dam, also known as Sturgeon River Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Chassell, Michigan.


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Summary

Built in 1978, this gravity dam stands at a height of 12 feet and stretches 145 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 4,272 acre-feet. Situated on the Sturgeon River, it serves multiple purposes beyond flood control, with a surface area of 935 acres and a normal storage capacity of 3,560 acre-feet.

Managed by Michigan's DEGLE agency, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2019, Otter Lake Dam poses a moderate risk level according to the Risk Assessment rating. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 120 feet, and the dam has an emergency action plan in place, although details on its last revision date and adherence to guidelines are not provided in the data.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Otter Lake Dam an intriguing structure to study, given its location on the scenic Sturgeon River and its significant impact on the surrounding area's water management. With its unique design, operational features, and risk profile, the dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in Houghton County, Michigan, contributing to both water storage and flood protection efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

145

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Sturgeon River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

935

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

4272

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.