Upper Reed Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Upper Reed Lake Dam, located in Hunters Creek, Michigan, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet and stretches 480 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 160 acre-feet, serving the surrounding area with a surface area of 9 acres and a drainage area of 0.9 square miles. The dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the Upper Reed Lake Dam has a moderate risk rating of 3 out of 5. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 8 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 2300 cubic feet per second. The last inspection of the dam took place in July 2000, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. While no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has been prepared yet, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and has not undergone any recent modifications.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Upper Reed Lake Dam can appreciate the careful oversight and management of this recreational structure in Lapeer County, Michigan. The dam provides a vital source of water storage for the area, contributing to the local ecosystem and offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk rating, the Upper Reed Lake Dam exemplifies the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure to ensure public safety and environmental preservation in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

KIintzCreek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

220

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.