Cedar Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Cedar Creek, Michigan, the Cedar Creek Dam, also known as Cedar Lake Dam, stands as a private structure primarily designed for recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1870, this earth dam boasts a height of 16.05 feet and a length of 385 feet, creating a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 7.4 square miles. With a controlled spillway and a low hazard potential, the dam is inspected every five years, with the last assessment in 2017 deeming its condition as satisfactory.

The Cedar Creek Dam offers a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore, with the dam impounding Cedar Creek and creating a surface area of 25 acres for recreational activities. Managed by private owners, the dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Despite its age, the Cedar Creek Dam continues to meet safety standards, with a very low risk of failure as assessed by authorities.

For those interested in the intersection of water resources and infrastructure, Cedar Creek Dam provides a glimpse into how private entities can responsibly manage recreational dams for the benefit of local communities. With its historical significance dating back over a century, this earth dam remains a testament to the enduring engineering practices that have shaped Michigan's water landscape. Whether one seeks a peaceful retreat or a study in sustainable dam management, Cedar Creek Dam offers a captivating glimpse into the delicate balance between human intervention and natural resources.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

385

Dam Height

16.05

River Or Stream

Cedar Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

14.6

Drainage Area

7.4

Nid Storage

135

Structural Height

16.05

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.