Michigan Center Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Michigan Center Dam, located in Jackson, Michigan, is a gravity dam built on the Grand River in 1911 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 9.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 8.5 feet, the dam serves as a significant structure for storing water, with a capacity of 8,000 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 5,280 acre-feet. The dam has a spillway width of 15 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 420 cubic feet per second, making it a vital component in managing water flow in the area.

The dam is regulated by the state of Michigan through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), with regular inspections conducted to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being assessed as in fair condition in 2017, the dam has a significant hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of proper risk management measures. The surrounding area is at a very high risk of flooding, underlining the critical role the dam plays in mitigating potential disasters and protecting the local community.

As a key feature on the Grand River, Michigan Center Dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also serves as a vital water resource infrastructure. Its historical significance, combined with its role in water management and flood control, highlights the importance of ensuring its proper maintenance and operation for the benefit of the region's water resources and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

90

Dam Height

9.5

River Or Stream

Grand River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

2160

Hydraulic Height

8.5

Drainage Area

62.9

Nid Storage

8000

Structural Height

9.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.