Silver Lake Main Dam
Silver Lake Main Dam is an earth dam located in Marquette County, Michigan, built in 1912. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Silver Lake Main Dam
The primary purpose of Silver Lake Main Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Dead River near Marquette.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 1,500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,220 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 29,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 23 square miles. Completed in 1912, the structure is over a century old.
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 09/27/2022.
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 | Marquette |
| Nearest City | Marquette |
| River/Stream | Dead River |
| Coordinates | 46.64950, -87.83130 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 29,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 29,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 28,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,220 acres |
| Drainage Area | 23 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,125 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/27/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00197 |
| Federal ID | MI00197 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |