Misteguay Creek 3a Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Misteguay Creek 3a, also known as Mist Creek 3a Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Saginaw, Michigan.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this structure plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along Misteguay Creek. Standing at a height of 29 feet with a hydraulic height of 26 feet, the dam spans 1020 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 14,450 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in September 2018, Misteguay Creek 3a is regulated and permitted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for continued operation. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it has a storage capacity of 4,037 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 93.3 square miles, Misteguay Creek 3a serves as a vital infrastructure in mitigating potential flood impacts in the region.

Managed by private owners, Misteguay Creek 3a has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 490 feet and no outlet gates. The dam's risk assessment is categorized as moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures. Overall, Misteguay Creek 3a stands as a significant engineering feat in protecting the surrounding community from flood events along Misteguay Creek.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1020

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

Misteguay Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

93.3

Nid Storage

4037

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.