Sterling Mall Dam

Utica Drain· Macomb, Michigan· Built 1977· Earth· 9 ft tall
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Sterling Mall Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 14.1% in MI)
Dam Length58 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage234 acre-ft
Normal Storage57 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge400 cfs
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)
NID IDMI00670

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 22, 1978
State Regulated: No

Ownership

City of Sterling Heights

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sterling Mall Dam?

Sterling Mall 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 Sterling Mall Dam?

Sterling Mall Dam is owned by City of Sterling Heights (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sterling Mall Dam built?

Sterling Mall Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Sterling Mall Dam?

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

How tall is Sterling Mall Dam?

Sterling Mall Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Sterling Mall Dam last inspected?

Sterling Mall Dam was last inspected on June 22, 1978. 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.