Stony Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Stony Creek Dam, located in Afton, Michigan, is a state-regulated earth dam built in 1952 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 11.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 8.8 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 380 acre-feet within its reservoir on Stony Creek. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam has a maximum discharge of 530 cubic feet per second and a surface area of 190 acres.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 15 feet. Despite its age, the structure has a moderate risk classification and a history of regular inspections, the last of which occurred in June 2011. The dam's associated risk management measures and emergency action plans are currently being assessed for adequacy, ensuring the safety of the surrounding Cheboygan County community in the event of a potential flood or other emergency situation. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Stony Creek Dam serves as both a recreational attraction and a critical piece of infrastructure to monitor and safeguard for the future.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

761

Dam Height

11.5

River Or Stream

Stony Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

190

Hydraulic Height

8.8

Drainage Area

5.5

Nid Storage

1330

Structural Height

11.5

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.