County Farm Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

County Farm Dam, located in Amsden, Michigan, is a privately owned gravity dam on Dickerson Creek completed in 1926 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 16 feet and a length of 270 feet, the dam provides a maximum storage capacity of 300 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 30.6 square miles. Despite being state-regulated by Michigan DEGLE, the dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 15 feet, and its condition assessment is currently not rated. The last inspection took place in 1994, with a recommended inspection frequency of every 5 years. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains a vital structure for water resource management and climate resilience in Montcalm County. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and recreational value of County Farm Dam, while also recognizing the need for regular maintenance and risk management measures to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Dickerson Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

30.6

Nid Storage

300

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.