The Silver Lake Level Control Structure in Oceana, Michigan, is a privately owned dam designed for recreation purposes and managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1995, this earth dam stands at a height of 8.6 feet and has a hydraulic height of 6.6 feet, with a storage capacity of 2300 acre-feet. The dam controls the flow of Silver Creek, a tributary of Lake Michigan, and covers a surface area of 678 acres within a drainage area of 19.3 square miles.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the Silver Lake Level Control Structure provides essential water management services while promoting recreational activities in the area. Although not currently rated for condition assessment, the dam undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with regulatory standards. The structure also features an uncontrolled spillway type and has not been modified since its completion, highlighting its stability and efficiency in managing water levels for both environmental and recreational purposes.
Located in a picturesque setting and serving as a vital component of the local ecosystem, the Silver Lake Level Control Structure symbolizes the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As a testament to its importance, the dam's ownership lies with a private entity, yet it operates under state jurisdiction and regulation. With its strategic location near Lake Michigan and the careful balance it maintains between recreation and conservation, this control structure stands as a model for sustainable water management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1995 |
Dam Length |
30 |
Dam Height |
8.6 |
River Or Stream |
Silver Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
678 |
Hydraulic Height |
6.6 |
Drainage Area |
19.3 |
Nid Storage |
2300 |
Structural Height |
8.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
9 |
White River Near Whitehall
|
258cfs |
Pere Marquette River At Scottville
|
459cfs |
Bear Creek Near Muskegon
|
6cfs |
Muskegon River Near Croton
|
1260cfs |
Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove
|
164cfs |
Manistee River Near Wellston
|
1480cfs |