Quarton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Quarton Dam, located in Birmingham, Michigan, is a vital earth dam constructed in 1921 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This dam, standing at a height of 19 feet and a hydraulic height of 16.2 feet, spans 400 feet in length and holds a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. The dam regulates flow on the Quarton Br River Rouge and has a controlled spillway with a width of 50 feet. Despite its significant hazard potential, Quarton Dam is rated as being in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection in June 2017.

Being under the regulatory oversight of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Quarton Dam is subject to inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the state agency to ensure its safe operation. The dam's risk assessment has been classified as very high (1), emphasizing the importance of proper risk management measures to prevent potential hazards. With its historical significance and role in providing recreational opportunities in the area, Quarton Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate.

Year Completed

1921

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

Quarton Br River Rouge

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

16.2

Drainage Area

21.6

Nid Storage

160

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
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.