Clayton Dam

Michigan Creek· Newaygo, Michigan· Built 1955· Earth· 10 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Clayton Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 20.5% in MI)
Dam Length170 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage200 acre-ft
Normal Storage100 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
NID IDMI00312

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 9, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Leonard Kurello

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Clayton Dam?

Clayton Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Clayton Dam?

Clayton Dam is owned by Leonard Kurello (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Clayton Dam built?

Clayton Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Clayton Dam?

Clayton Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Clayton Dam?

Clayton Dam has a dam height of 10 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Clayton Dam last inspected?

Clayton Dam was last inspected on June 9, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.