Liberty Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Liberty Dam, located in Jackson, Michigan, along the Grand River, stands as a historic structure completed in 1848 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This Earth dam, standing at 11 feet in height and spanning 130 feet in length, offers a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore. With a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and a surface area of 11.2 acres, the dam provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities.

Despite its age and historical significance, Liberty Dam's condition assessment has been deemed unsatisfactory, with a significant hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in November 2018 revealed the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure the safety of nearby communities. With a very high risk rating and a controlled spillway width of 18 feet, it is essential for regulatory agencies like the Michigan DEGLE to enforce inspections and carry out necessary risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards.

As a private-owned structure regulated by the state of Michigan, Liberty Dam serves as a vital recreational site within the region. Its location in the city of Liberty offers a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy nature and engage in water-related activities. However, with the dam's risk assessment rating in mind, ongoing efforts must be made to address its structural concerns and ensure the safety of both the dam and the surrounding environment for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts to continue to appreciate its beauty and historical significance.

Year Completed

1848

Dam Length

130

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Grand River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11.2

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

11.7

Nid Storage

72

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

11
       
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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.