Barnes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barnes Dam, located in Au Gres, Michigan, on Hope Creek, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1964, this earthen dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans 420 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. Despite being regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the dam has a low hazard potential but a very high risk assessment due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments.

The dam's spillway, with a controlled design and a width of 32 feet, helps manage the maximum discharge of 770 cubic feet per second. Although the dam failed in 1995, it was subsequently repaired to ensure its structural integrity. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam remains an integral part of the local ecosystem, providing fire protection, stock, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding community.

With its picturesque location in Iosco County and close proximity to the Buffalo District, Barnes Dam serves as a vital water resource for the area. While it may pose a very high risk due to its age and lack of recent inspections, ongoing efforts to meet regulatory guidelines and implement risk management measures are crucial to ensuring the safety and longevity of this important structure for both water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Hope Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

100

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.