Foster Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Foster Lake Dam in Scottville, Michigan, is a privately-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1973, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a length of 120 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 515 acre-feet. Situated on the Tr-Big S Br Pere Marquette river, the dam has a significant hazard potential but was last assessed to be in satisfactory condition in May 2014.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Foster Lake Dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced for safety and compliance. The dam's spillway, with a width of 30 feet, is uncontrolled, and its maximum discharge capacity is 400 cubic feet per second. Despite moderate risk assessment, the dam's risk management measures and preparedness for emergencies like inundation events are not explicitly detailed, indicating potential areas for improvement in the future. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can find interest in the ongoing management and maintenance of this vital infrastructure for both recreation and environmental protection in Oceana County, Michigan.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Tr-Big S Br Pere Marquette

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

99

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

669

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
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.