Houghton Lake Flats North Unit Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Houghton Lake Flats North Unit Dam, located in Roscommon, Michigan, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1967 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated on a tributary to Houghton Lake, this dam has a height of 9 feet and a hydraulic height of 6.4 feet, with a length of 300 feet and a storage capacity of 2000 acre-feet. With a surface area of 400 acres and a drainage area of 0.6 square miles, the dam serves as a vital resource for water management and flood control in the region.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Houghton Lake Flats North Unit Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition, as per the last inspection conducted in June 2013. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet and has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam provides essential recreational opportunities and contributes to the overall environmental and hydrological balance of the area.

With its strategic location and significant role in water resource management, the Houghton Lake Flats North Unit Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure for climate resilience. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like this play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health and mitigating potential risks. Through regular inspections and risk assessments, the dam ensures the safety of surrounding communities and reinforces the vital connection between water resources and climate adaptation strategies.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Tributary to Houghton Lake

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

400

Hydraulic Height

6.4

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

2000

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.