Lake Doster Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Doster Dam, located in Silver Creek, Michigan, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and stretches 1100 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1650 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, with a width of 12 feet, is uncontrolled and allows for a maximum discharge of 188 cubic feet per second.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2020, Lake Doster Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, indicating the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), ensuring that it meets state safety standards. With a drainage area of 1.4 square miles and a surface area of 108 acres, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region and mitigating flood risks.

The dam's risk assessment has been deemed moderate, with a rating of 3, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures. While the dam has not experienced any recent modifications, its emergency action plan (EAP) status and adherence to guidelines remain unspecified. As a key infrastructure for both recreation and water resource management, Lake Doster Dam's significance lies in its ability to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors while upholding the necessary safety standards to protect surrounding communities from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

Tributary to Silver Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

108

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

1650

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

34
       
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.