Swan Creek Dam

Swan Creek· Allegan, Michigan· Built 1937· Earth· 22 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Swan Creek Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 77.5% in MI)
Dam Length660 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage560 acre-ft
Surface Area140 acres
Drainage Area41 sq mi
Max Discharge1,600 cfs
Year Completed1937 (89 years old)
NID IDMI00006

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 24, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

MDNR Wildlife

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Swan Creek Dam?

Swan Creek 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 Swan Creek Dam?

Swan Creek Dam is owned by MDNR Wildlife (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Swan Creek Dam built?

Swan Creek Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Swan Creek Dam?

Swan Creek 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 Swan Creek Dam?

Swan Creek Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Swan Creek Dam last inspected?

Swan Creek Dam was last inspected on October 24, 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.