Union Lake Level Control Structure dam
Union Lake Level Control Structure
Situated in Oakland, Michigan, the Union Lake Level Control Structure stands as a vital component in managing the water levels of Union Lake. Constructed in 1964, this private-owned earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 465 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. With a dam height of 7 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 2325 acre-feet, this structure plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of Hayes Creek.
Despite its age, the Union Lake Level Control Structure remains in satisfactory condition, as confirmed by a recent inspection in August 2019. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, this structure continues to operate effectively in controlling water levels and ensuring the safety of surrounding areas. As a significant feature in the Buffalo District, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of water resource management and the impact it has on both recreation and environmental conservation in the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Union Lake Level Control Structure -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Huron River At Milford | 73 cfs | → |
| Upper River Rouge At Farmington | 9 cfs | → |
| Clinton River At Auburn Hills | 78 cfs | → |
| River Rouge At Birmingham | 13 cfs | → |
| River Rouge At Southfield | 34 cfs | → |
| Huron River Near New Hudson | 105 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Union Lake Level Control Structure.
Boat launches
- Union Lake, 465 Acres, Oakland County
- Cedar Island Lake, 144 Acres, Oakland County
- Wolverine Lake, 241 Acres, Oakland County
- Elizabeth Lake Road Waterford Township
- Ladue Street Waterford Township
- Orchard Lake, 788 Acres, Oakland County
Campgrounds
- Proud Lake State Rec Area
- Pontiac Lake Recreation Area Modern Campground
- Pontiac Lake Recreation Area Group Campground
- Pontiac Lake State Rec Area
- Highland State Rec Area
- Camp Dearborn
Track Union Lake Level Control Structure in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Union Lake Level Control Structure
Where does the data for Union Lake Level Control Structure come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Union Lake Level Control Structure.