Five Lakes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Five Lakes Dam, located in Farwell, Michigan, along Five Lakes Creek, was completed in 1958 and stands at a height of 8 feet with a length of 50 feet.


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Summary

This privately owned gravity dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and has a storage capacity of 468 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 234 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and was last inspected in July 2017, with a satisfactory condition assessment.

The dam, regulated by the MICHIGAN DEGLE, does not have a spillway but boasts a surface area of 117 acres and drains a 6.1 square mile watershed. The risk assessment for Five Lakes Dam indicates a high risk level (2), prompting the need for effective risk management measures. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam poses potential risks that must be carefully monitored and mitigated to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Five Lakes Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and risk assessment within the picturesque landscape of Clare, Michigan.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

50

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Five Lakes Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

117

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

6.1

Nid Storage

468

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds