Avery Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Avery Lake Dam, located in Crooked Lake, Michigan, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 200 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 2420 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Crooked Creek and is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement standards.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2018, Avery Lake Dam poses minimal risk to the surrounding area. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a very high risk due to its location and potential impact in the event of a failure. Regular inspections are conducted, with the next one scheduled for 2023, to ensure the dam's continued safety and functionality. Overall, Avery Lake Dam serves as an important recreational resource in Montmorency County, Michigan, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities for locals and visitors alike.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Crooked Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

322

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

11.4

Nid Storage

2420

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.