Paw Paw Lake Level Control Structure Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Located in Watervliet, Michigan, the Paw Paw Lake Level Control Structure is a gravity dam built in 1987 primarily for recreational purposes on the Paw Paw River.


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Summary

With a structural height of 11 feet and a length of 60 feet, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 720 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 922 acres. Despite being privately owned, the structure is not state-regulated and does not require inspections or permits.

The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 15 feet, and it has a low hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of December 2020. The structure is located in a moderate risk area, with no emergency action plan in place. While there have been no modifications over the years, the dam is inspected every five years, with the last inspection conducted in December 2020. With its recreational focus and limited impact on the surrounding area, the Paw Paw Lake Level Control Structure stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

60

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Paw Paw River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

922

Hydraulic Height

2

Drainage Area

15.9

Nid Storage

720

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.