Fawn Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fawn Lake Dam, located in Altona, Michigan, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1986, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary to the Muskegon River and is regulated by the state of Michigan through the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE).

Despite being classified as low hazard potential, Fawn Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity. The last assessment in September 2016 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition. The risk assessment for the dam is categorized as high (2), indicating that there may be potential risks associated with its operation.

With a surface area of 15 acres and a normal storage capacity of 55 acre-feet, Fawn Lake Dam provides recreational opportunities for the surrounding community. Although it does not have a spillway, the dam serves as a vital water resource for the area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate issues can appreciate the importance of Fawn Lake Dam in providing both recreation and water management benefits to the region.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Tributary to Muskegon River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

85

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.