Lake Geneva Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Lake Geneva Dam, located in Wacousta, Michigan, is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the tributary-Looking Glass River.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and stretches 163 feet in length, providing a recreational purpose and storing up to 350 acre-feet of water. With a controlled spillway type and significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, but its risk assessment is classified as very high.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), the Lake Geneva Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's emergency action plan has been last revised in 2016, and its risk management measures are currently under review. Despite its high risk classification, the dam continues to serve as a vital component in the local water resource management and climate conservation efforts.

As a focal point in Clinton County, Michigan, the Lake Geneva Dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also contributes to the overall environmental sustainability of the region. With its capacity to store water and control discharge, this dam showcases the importance of efficient and resilient infrastructure in the face of climate challenges. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate conservation will find the Lake Geneva Dam to be a fascinating example of human intervention in natural systems, balancing the needs of recreation with the demands of water management in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

163

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Tributary-Looking Glass River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

300

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

350

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

21
       
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.