Van Etten Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Van Etten Lake Dam in Oscoda-Au Sable, Michigan, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1947, this earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet with a length of 150 feet, holding a storage capacity of 5040 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 1320 acres. The dam is located on the Pine River and is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), with regular inspections ensuring its satisfactory condition and low hazard potential.

With a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 5000 cubic feet per second, Van Etten Lake Dam poses a low risk of failure, as indicated by a very high risk assessment rating of 1. Despite this, the dam lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps. The structure's strategic location and contribution to the local ecosystem make it a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in understanding the impact of dams on rivers and surrounding areas, prompting further exploration and study into its management and maintenance practices.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Pine River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1320

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

281.67

Nid Storage

5040

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.