Thread Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Thread Lake Dam, located in Flint, Michigan, is a gravity dam that was completed in 1973 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 9 feet and a length of 293 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 1250 acre-feet and serves as a vital structure on Thread Creek. The dam's spillway type is controlled, with a width of 42 feet, and it has a significant hazard potential.

Owned by the Local Government, Thread Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE). The dam's condition assessment in 2019 rated it as satisfactory, but its risk assessment is very high. Despite its risks, the dam has not been modified in recent years, and emergency action plans and inundation maps are not up to date.

The dam's location in Genesee County, Michigan, makes it a crucial point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its impressive storage capacity, structural design, and potential hazards, Thread Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and oversight in ensuring the safety and functionality of vital water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

293

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Thread Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

80

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

57.9

Nid Storage

1250

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

9
       
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.