Ford Lake
Ford Lake is an earth dam located in Washtenaw County, Michigan, built in 1932. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Ford Lake
The primary purpose of Ford Lake is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Charter Township Of Ypsilanti (local government). It impounds the Huron River near Belleville.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 670 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 987 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 18,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 814 square miles. Completed in 1932, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years 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 07/13/2022.
At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.
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 | Washtenaw |
| Nearest City | Belleville |
| River/Stream | Huron River |
| Coordinates | 42.20590, -83.55750 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 670 ft |
| Year Completed | 1932 (94 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 18,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 18,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17,770 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 987 acres |
| Drainage Area | 814 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 30,600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Charter Township of Ypsilanti |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/13/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00194 |
| Federal ID | MI00194 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |