Faussett Dam dam
Faussett Dam
Faussett Dam, located in Gaines, Michigan, is a privately owned structure on the Yellow River with a primary purpose of recreation. Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at 17 feet high and spans 530 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 800 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Michigan DEGLE and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and low hazard potential.
Despite its low hazard potential, Faussett Dam is classified as having a very high risk due to its location and the potential impact of a breach. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 2 feet and has a maximum discharge capability of 50 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 2.1 square miles and a surface area of 74 acres, making it a vital resource for both water storage and recreational activities.
With an emphasis on safety and risk management, Faussett Dam is a crucial structure that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the protection of downstream communities and the preservation of its recreational value. The dam's association with the Yellow River and its importance in the local ecosystem make it a significant focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of human infrastructure and natural landscapes in Michigan.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Faussett Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Huron River At Milford | 73 cfs | → |
| Huron River Near New Hudson | 105 cfs | → |
| Huron River Near Hamburg | 230 cfs | → |
| Red Cedar River Near Williamston | 84 cfs | → |
| Flint River Near Flint | 614 cfs | → |
| Sloan Creek Near Williamston | 2 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Faussett Dam.
Boat launches
- Indian Lake, 75 Acres, Livingston County
- Lobdel Lake Dnr Boatlaunch
- Roosevelt Street 327, Howell
- Lake Ponemah, Genesee County
- Conrad Road Genoa Township
- Hilton Road 8809, Brighton Township
Campgrounds
- Appleton Lake - Brighton Rec Area
- Murray Lake - Brighton Rec Area
- Bishop Lake - Brighton Rec Area
- Seven Lakes State Park
- Highland State Rec Area
- Group Camp 9
Fishing spots
Track Faussett Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Faussett Dam
Where does the data for Faussett Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Faussett Dam.