Cedar Lake Dam
Cedar Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Leelanau County, Michigan, built in 1856. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cedar Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Cedar Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Elmwood Township (local government). It impounds the Cedar Lake Outlet near Cherry Bend.
The dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 100 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 250 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles. Completed in 1856, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/23/2017.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Leelanau |
| Nearest City | Cherry Bend |
| River/Stream | Cedar Lake Outlet |
| Coordinates | 44.79500, -85.63667 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Length | 100 ft |
| Year Completed | 1856 (170 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,600 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,600 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 250 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 60 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Elmwood Township |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/23/2017 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00586 |
| Federal ID | MI00586 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |