Sutton Lake Dam

Tributary to Mill Creek· Washtenaw, Michigan· Built 1959· Earth· 12 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Sutton Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 32.7% in MI)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage312 acre-ft
Normal Storage500 acre-ft
Surface Area64 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge20 cfs
Year Completed1959 (67 years old)
NID IDMI00325

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: January 1, 1901
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Dick Barch;James Brien

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sutton Lake Dam?

Sutton 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 Sutton Lake Dam?

Sutton Lake Dam is owned by Dick Barch;James Brien (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sutton Lake Dam built?

Sutton Lake Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Sutton Lake Dam?

Sutton 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 Sutton Lake Dam?

Sutton Lake Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Sutton Lake Dam last inspected?

Sutton Lake Dam was last inspected on January 1, 1901. 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.