Fontinalis Club Upper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fontinalis Club Upper Dam, located in Otsego, Michigan, along the Club Stream, is a privately-owned structure primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1870, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 8.2 meters and has a length of 190 meters, providing a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2019, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

The dam's uncontrolled spillway and limited associated structures contribute to its risk assessment classification of moderate. Despite its age, Fontinalis Club Upper Dam continues to serve its recreational purpose effectively, with a surface area of 15 acres and a drainage area of 8.8 square kilometers. The dam is situated in a picturesque location in Vanderbilit, offering visitors a chance to admire the surrounding natural beauty while enjoying various recreational activities.

Managed without federal involvement, Fontinalis Club Upper Dam remains a testament to historic engineering and a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure. With its moderate risk assessment and efficient operation, the dam stands as a testament to responsible planning and maintenance in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

190

Dam Height

8.2

River Or Stream

Club Stream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

7.2

Drainage Area

8.8

Nid Storage

75

Structural Height

8.2

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.