Sunset Lake Dam
Sunset Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, built in 1850. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Sunset Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Sunset Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Kalamazoo County Dc (private). It impounds the Gourdneck Creek near Vicksburg.
The dam stands 11 feet tall and stretches 1,040 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 97 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 690 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 37 square miles. Completed in 1850, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 07/14/2020.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Michigan dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Kalamazoo |
| Nearest City | Vicksburg |
| River/Stream | Gourdneck Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.11833, -85.53667 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,040 ft |
| Year Completed | 1850 (176 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 690 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 690 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 320 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 97 acres |
| Drainage Area | 37 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 729 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Kalamazoo County DC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/14/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00144 |
| Federal ID | MI00144 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |