Backus Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Little Mud Lake Dam Backus Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Backus Creek Dam, located in Prudenville, Michigan, is a state-regulated structure on Backus Creek with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet and has a hydraulic height of 9.7 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2800 acre-feet. The dam's normal storage level is 900 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 550 acres and draining a watershed area of 17.5 square miles.
With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of January 2017, Backus Creek Dam is managed by the state regulatory agency MICHIGAN DEGLE. The spillway, classified as uncontrolled, has a width of 22 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 430 cubic feet per second. Although the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, it is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate (3), indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
204 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
Backus Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
550 |
Hydraulic Height |
9.7 |
Drainage Area |
17.5 |
Nid Storage |
2800 |
Structural Height |
11 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Backus Creek Dam