Norman Smith Dam

Tributary to Spaulding Creek· Wexford, Michigan· Built 1974· Earth· 16 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Norman Smith Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 55.7% in MI)
Dam Length183 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage180 acre-ft
Normal Storage105 acre-ft
Surface Area22 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge90 cfs
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)
NID IDMI00742

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: October 21, 2011
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

SAKK Investments LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Norman Smith Dam?

Norman Smith 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 Norman Smith Dam?

Norman Smith Dam is owned by SAKK Investments LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Norman Smith Dam built?

Norman Smith Dam was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Norman Smith Dam?

Norman Smith 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 Norman Smith Dam?

Norman Smith Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Norman Smith Dam last inspected?

Norman Smith Dam was last inspected on October 21, 2011. 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.