Buckhorn Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buckhorn Creek Dam, located in Paris, Michigan, was completed in 1900 and serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 28 feet high with a length of 90 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Buckhorn Creek, a picturesque waterway in Mecosta County, Michigan.

Despite its age, Buckhorn Creek Dam has been designated as having a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment. While it is not currently regulated or inspected by the state, the dam's condition remains unrated. With a controlled spillway width of 15 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1400 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to handle potential flood events and ensure the safety of downstream communities. While the dam's Emergency Action Plan status and risk management measures are currently unknown, its recreational value and scenic surroundings make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the region.

Overall, Buckhorn Creek Dam presents an intriguing blend of historical significance, recreational appeal, and environmental risk. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the dam and its surrounding area, they can appreciate both its functional role in providing recreational opportunities and the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

90

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

Buckhorn Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
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.