French Farm Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

French Farm Lake Dam, located in Carp Lake, Michigan, is a state-owned structure built in 1949 primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 8 feet with a hydraulic height of 7 feet, impounds French Farm Creek to create French Farm Lake. With a storage capacity of 2720 acre-feet and a surface area of 800 acres, the dam provides opportunities for water-based activities in a picturesque natural setting.

The controlled spillway with a width of 30 feet ensures safe water release during high flows, while the dam's low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment indicate its overall stability and safety. The risk assessment for French Farm Lake Dam is rated as very high (1), prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and environment. Regular inspections, last conducted in 2016, help to monitor the dam's performance and identify any necessary maintenance or improvements to ensure its continued reliability.

Overall, French Farm Lake Dam serves as a vital water resource for the region, offering both recreational opportunities and important flood control benefits. As a regulated and inspected structure, it exemplifies responsible dam management practices and underscores the importance of maintaining infrastructure to mitigate potential risks and protect the surrounding area from water-related hazards.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

French Farm Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

800

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

9.8

Nid Storage

2720

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.