Lake Laura Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sunset Lake Dam Fawn Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Laura Dam, located in Altona, Michigan, is a privately owned structure built in 1981 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 10 feet with a length of 640 feet, this earth dam holds a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 20 acres. Situated on the Tr-W Br Little Muskegon River, the dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition and low hazard potential.
Despite its low hazard potential, Lake Laura Dam is subject to moderate risk assessment due to its location and design features. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 2 feet, and it has not been modified in recent years. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are yet to be fully implemented, indicating potential areas for improvement in ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding community in case of a dam failure. With a five-year inspection frequency, the dam remains a vital structure for recreation and water resource management in Mecosta County.
In the event of any emergency or risk mitigation efforts, it is essential for the owners and regulatory agencies to work collaboratively to update and implement emergency action plans that align with established guidelines. By addressing the moderate risk assessment and potential hazard concerns through proactive measures, Lake Laura Dam can continue to serve its primary purpose of recreation while safeguarding the environment and community it supports along the Tr-W Br Little Muskegon River.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
640 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
Tr-W Br Little Muskegon River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
110 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove
|
164cfs |
Muskegon River Near Croton
|
1260cfs |
Muskegon River At Evart
|
373cfs |
Fish Creek Near Crystal
|
14cfs |
Chippewa River Near Mount Pleasant
|
169cfs |
Rogue River Near Rockford
|
126cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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