Kawkawlin Flooding Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Kawkawlin Flooding Dam, located in Midland, Michigan, is a state-regulated structure designed for recreation purposes along the Kawkawlin Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet with a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a structural height of 11 feet. The dam spans 2360 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 2340 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 1420 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment was rated as poor during its last inspection in April 2017, indicating a need for maintenance and repairs.

The Kawkawlin Flooding Dam is equipped with a controlled spillway type with a width of 3 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 160 cubic feet per second. The dam's surface area covers 590 acres, serving a drainage area of 5.6 square miles. While the dam's risk assessment is categorized as very high, it currently lacks an emergency action plan and inundation maps. With a risk management measures status of none reported, stakeholders and officials may need to address the dam's condition and preparedness to ensure the safety and resilience of the surrounding community in case of a potential emergency or flood event.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

2360

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Kawkawlin Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

590

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

5.6

Nid Storage

2340

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.