Lower Crystal Lake Dam

Tamarack Creek· Barry, Michigan· Built 1970· Earth· 30 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lower Crystal Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 89.2% in MI)
Dam Length1,235 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage660 acre-ft
Normal Storage475 acre-ft
Surface Area40 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge165 cfs
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)
NID IDMI00444

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: Yes
Last Inspection: November 26, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Crystal Lake Improvement Assoc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Crystal Lake Dam?

Lower 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 Lower Crystal Lake Dam?

Lower Crystal Lake Dam is owned by Crystal Lake Improvement Assoc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Crystal Lake Dam built?

Lower Crystal Lake Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Lower Crystal Lake Dam?

Lower 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 Lower Crystal Lake Dam?

Lower Crystal Lake Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Lower Crystal Lake Dam last inspected?

Lower Crystal Lake Dam was last inspected on November 26, 2018. 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.