Upper Straits Lake Level Control Structure

Upper Straits Lake is one of more than 350 lakes that are found in Oakland County. The lake stretches between West Bloomfield Township and Orchard Lake Village and is surrounded by residences, roadways, businesses, and a nature sanctuary. The original dam was constructed in the 1960’s and consisted of two L-shaped steel sheet pile retaining wall abutments with an adjustable weir. Spicer Group was originally hired by the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner to conduct an inspection of the original dam structure and recommend alternatives for rehabilitation or replacement.

 The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner selected to replace the dam by installing a sheet pile structure similar to the original dam with some additions. The new structure included driving sheetpile 40 feet into the lakebed, and stop logs were again used to allow the water elevation to be fluctuated depending on the conditions. The new dam also includes a maintenance catwalk that allows safer access to the structure per the request of the client.