Orchard Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Orchard Lake Dam, also known as Orchard Lake Overflow, was completed in 1968 in West Bloomfield, Michigan, with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Orchard Lake Outlet.


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Summary

This private dam stands at a height of 8 feet with a hydraulic height of 4 feet and a length of 25 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 1700 acre-feet, providing flood protection for the surrounding area.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 9 feet, and it has a low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in November 2019. The risk assessment for Orchard Lake Dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, but overall, the structure meets safety guidelines and has not required any significant risk management measures. Despite being privately owned, the dam plays a critical role in managing water levels and reducing flood risks in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Orchard Lake Dam can appreciate its engineering design and functionality in mitigating flood risks along the Orchard Lake Outlet. With its modest size and effective flood risk reduction capabilities, this earth dam in Michigan serves as a vital infrastructure component in the local water management system.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

25

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Orchard Lake Outlet

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

850

Hydraulic Height

4

Nid Storage

3400

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.