Vhay Lake Dam is a private dam located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, regulating the Amy Drain river.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1966, this gravity-type dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans 165 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 14 acres and a drainage area of 3.4 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed poor conditions, prompting a moderate risk rating. The dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE). While it has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 4 feet and a maximum discharge of 294 cubic feet per second, there are no associated locks or outlet gates.
As a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Vhay Lake Dam presents a unique opportunity for further exploration and study on the intersection of dam infrastructure, recreation, and environmental management in Michigan. Its location at the confluence of human-made and natural water systems offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining and regulating dams in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
165 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
Amy Drain |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
3.4 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
River Rouge At Birmingham
|
13cfs |
Clinton River At Auburn Hills
|
122cfs |
Plum Brook At Utica
|
87cfs |
Paint Creek At Rochester
|
18cfs |
River Rouge At Southfield
|
15cfs |
Clinton River At Sterling Heights
|
204cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Apache Campsite
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South Hill Campsite
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East Prairie Campsite
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Cherokee Campsite
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Outpost Campsite
|
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Pines Campsite
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