Indian Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Indian Lake Dam, located in Rochester, Michigan, is a private dam regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.


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Summary

Built in 1928, this buttress type dam stands at a height of 20 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 900 acre-feet and a surface area of 58 acres. The dam controls the flow of a tributary to the West Branch of Stony Creek, with a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam underwent its last inspection in September 2018, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. With an uncontrolled spillway and no associated locks, Indian Lake Dam presents a moderate risk, rated as a 3 on the risk assessment scale. While there are no emergency action plans prepared or inundation maps available, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Indian Lake Dam serves as a vital structure in managing water resources and providing recreational opportunities in the region.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Trib to W Br Stony Creek

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

58

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

1.75

Nid Storage

900

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

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.