Forest Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Forest Lake Dam, also known as Wells Creek Dam, is a private dam located in Omer, Michigan, within Arenac County.


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Summary

Built in 1971, this earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and stretches over a length of 800 feet. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam offers a surface area of 305 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 7,440 acre-feet. Its controlled spillway, 80 feet wide, can handle a maximum discharge of 4,000 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Forest Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam remains in satisfactory condition, as assessed in May 2020. With a very high risk rating of 1, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in July 2017, and it meets established guidelines. The dam's location on Wells Creek adds to its importance in managing water resources and climate challenges in the region.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

Wells Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

305

Hydraulic Height

48

Drainage Area

25.8

Nid Storage

7440

Structural Height

48

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

48
       
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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.