Sutton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sutton Lake Dam, located in Dexter, Michigan, is a private dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and stretches 400 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 20 cubic feet per second, Sutton Lake Dam offers both leisure and environmental benefits to the surrounding area.

Managed by the Michigan DEGLE, Sutton Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is rated as not assessed for its current condition. However, with a moderate risk level and a regular inspection frequency of 5 years, Sutton Lake Dam remains a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan, its risk management measures are currently unspecified. With its location in the Buffalo District and under the jurisdiction of the state of Michigan, Sutton Lake Dam serves as a valuable recreational and environmental asset, attracting visitors and researchers alike with its serene waters and scenic surroundings.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Tributary to Mill Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

64

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

500

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.