Fenton Water Dam, also known as Fenton Mill Pond Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Fenton, Michigan, along the Shiawassee River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1935, this earth dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 148 feet in length, serving primarily for recreational purposes. With a normal storage capacity of 220 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 500 cubic feet per second, the dam provides a serene 46-acre pond for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), the Fenton Water Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being assessed as in fair condition during the latest inspection in November 2017, the dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its very high risk assessment rating. Emergency action plans are in place, though last revised in 1994, to address any unforeseen events and protect downstream communities in case of a dam failure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Fenton Water Dam a captivating structure within the picturesque Genesee County landscape. As a vital part of the local ecosystem, this dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also poses important risk management challenges that highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring our water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
148 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
Shiawassee River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
46 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
60 |
Nid Storage |
562 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
16 |
Huron River At Milford
|
73cfs |
Flint River Near Flint
|
225cfs |
Kearsley Creek Near Davison
|
12cfs |
Huron River Near New Hudson
|
105cfs |
Huron River Near Hamburg
|
146cfs |
Flint River Near Otisville
|
131cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Seven Lakes State Park
|
||
Group Camping Area 2
|
||
Group Camping Area 3
|
||
Group Camping Area 1
|
||
Group Camping Area 4
|
||
Group Camping Area 5
|