Lower Michigan

MICHIGAN CREEK-OS· Park, Colorado· Built 1889· Earth· 20 ft tall
Low Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lower Michigan is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1889 and is 137 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 36.1% in CO)
Dam Length210 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage80 acre-ft
Normal Storage40 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge65 cfs
Year Completed1889 (137 years old)
NID IDCO01795

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 29, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

FRED C. BARTLE JR. LIVING TRUST (KASPAREK, GREG)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Michigan?

Lower Michigan 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 Michigan?

Lower Michigan is owned by FRED C. BARTLE JR. LIVING TRUST (KASPAREK, GREG) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Michigan built?

Lower Michigan was completed in 1889, making it 137 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 Michigan?

Lower Michigan serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lower Michigan?

Lower Michigan has a dam height of 20 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 Michigan last inspected?

Lower Michigan was last inspected on August 29, 2019. 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.