Oronoko Lakes Dam, located in Berrien, Michigan, was completed in 1917 and serves as a recreational structure along Lemon Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at a height of 6.7 feet, with a hydraulic height of 6 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 25 acres. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment in 2011 deemed it to be in satisfactory condition with a low hazard potential.
Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) and undergoes regular inspections every five years. Although it has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 3 feet, the dam poses a moderate risk level (rated at 3) and has not been modified in recent years. The surrounding area offers recreational opportunities for visitors, making Oronoko Lakes Dam an important landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure and natural environments.
Year Completed |
1917 |
Dam Height |
6.7 |
River Or Stream |
Lemon Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Structural Height |
6.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
7 |
Galien River Near Sawyer
|
38cfs |
St. Joseph River At Niles
|
2050cfs |
Dowagiac River At Sumnerville
|
282cfs |
Juday Creek Near South Bend
|
7cfs |
Paw Paw River At Riverside
|
368cfs |
Trail Creek At Michigan City
|
66cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Camp Betz
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Shamrock Park
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Weko Beach
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Warren Dunes-Rustic
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Warren Dunes State Park
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