Brighton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brighton Lake Dam, located in Livingston, Michigan, is a privately owned structure that serves a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 20 feet, this earth dam was completed in 1929 and has a storage capacity of 2,725 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the South Ore Creek and has a maximum discharge rate of 1,100 cubic feet per second.

With a significant hazard potential, Brighton Lake Dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE). Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment in June 2020 deemed it to be satisfactory. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 15 feet and covers a surface area of 600 acres, making it an important water resource in the area.

Given its very high risk rating, Brighton Lake Dam is closely monitored with inspections occurring every four years. The dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities and storing water for the surrounding area. Its location within the Ore Lake Subdivision adds to its importance in the local community and highlights the need for ongoing maintenance and safety measures to ensure its continued functionality.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

203

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

South Ore Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

600

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

19.8

Nid Storage

2725

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.