Crystal Lake Dam

Swartz Creek· Oakland, Michigan· Built 1924· Earth· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Crystal Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1924 and is 102 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 50.6% in MI)
Dam Length365 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage120 acre-ft
Normal Storage70 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge150 cfs
Year Completed1924 (102 years old)
NID IDMI00776

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: August 19, 1992
State Regulated: No

Ownership

MDNR Parks & Recreation

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Crystal Lake Dam?

Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake Dam?

Crystal Lake Dam is owned by MDNR Parks & Recreation (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Crystal Lake Dam built?

Crystal Lake Dam was completed in 1924, making it 102 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 Crystal Lake Dam?

Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake Dam?

Crystal Lake Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Crystal Lake Dam last inspected?

Crystal Lake Dam was last inspected on August 19, 1992. 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.