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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Paw Paw River At Riverside
|
373cfs |
South Branch Black River Near Bangor
|
55cfs |
Dowagiac River At Sumnerville
|
276cfs |
St. Joseph River At Niles
|
2360cfs |
Galien River Near Sawyer
|
41cfs |
West Fork Portage Creek Near Oshtemo
|
7cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Paw Paw River Campgrounds
|
||
Covert Park
|
||
Covert Park Beach and Campground
|
||
Youth Campground
|
||
Van Buren State Park
|
||
Eden Springs
|