SANFORD - MI00550-3512
Dam Name: SANFORD
State: MI
Downstream Hazard Potential: H
Incident Type: Failure
Incident Date: 05/19/2020
Incident Driver: Hydrologic/Flooding
Incident Mechanism 1: Overtopping
Incident Mechanism 2
Incident Mechanism 3
Incident IDMI00550-3512
Incident DescriptionThe failure was the result of embankment overtopping. The breach outflows from Wixom Lake after the failure of Edenville Dam caused the water level in Sanford Lake to rise more quickly than could be accommodated by the spillways at Sanford Dam.
Named Hydrologic Event
EAP Enacted (Y/N) due to IncidentYes
Fatalities (Number)0
Number of People Evacuated11000
Number of Habitable Structures Evacuated3000
Number of Habitable Structures Flooded3000
Other Infrastructure ImpactsRoads
Economic Damages (in $)over $100 million
ResponseSee IFT Report
Volume released at failure (ac-ft)15000
Additional Remarks or UpdatesAccording to the 2020 major disaster declaration request by the State (Michigan 2020), the damage across
a five-county area was estimated at roughly $190 million in losses for residents. Over 3,000 homes were
affected, and there was $55 million in damage to public infrastructure.
a five-county area was estimated at roughly $190 million in losses for residents. Over 3,000 homes were
affected, and there was $55 million in damage to public infrastructure.
Owner TypeP
Dam TypeCNMV
Primary Purpose(s)H
EAPY
Dam Height36 ft
Max Storage (ac-ft)15000.00
Surface Area (acres)1526.00
Year Completed1925
NID NumberMI00550
River NameTITTAWABASSEE RIVER
Latitude43.6769
Longitude-84.3803
Year Modified
Regulatory Agency(ies)MICHIGAN DEQ
Incident Time
Incident Duration
Incident Report ProducedYes
Information Sources2022 IFT Report
