Meadow Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Meadow Lake Dam, located in Franklin, Michigan, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1950, this gravity-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 100 feet. With a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, it provides a surface area of 10 acres for leisure activities such as boating and fishing.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Meadow Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure with a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam carries a moderate risk rating due to its age and last inspection date in 2000. The spillway, of uncontrolled type, has a width of 12 feet, ensuring proper water discharge during peak periods.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Meadow Lake Dam for its role in providing recreational opportunities while also recognizing the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures to ensure its continued safe operation. As a key feature in the Franklin Drain watershed, this dam highlights the importance of balancing human enjoyment with environmental stewardship in managing water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Franklin Drain

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

53

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.