Townline Creek Flooding Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Clare, Michigan, the Townline Creek Flooding Dam serves as a recreational structure with a primary purpose of providing leisure activities for the community.


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Summary

Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a hydraulic height of 8.5 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 1,320 acre-feet. The dam spans 322 feet in length and covers a surface area of 113 acres, with a drainage area of 32.5 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Townline Creek Flooding Dam is currently assessed as unsatisfactory, with a very high risk rating. The last inspection in May 2014 revealed the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure the dam's safety and functionality. Although the dam is state-regulated and inspected periodically, there is a pressing need for risk management measures to address the identified deficiencies and mitigate potential risks associated with the structure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Townline Creek Flooding Dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of recreational infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety in the context of dam management and maintenance.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

322

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Townline Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

113

Hydraulic Height

8.5

Drainage Area

32.5

Nid Storage

1320

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.