Lower Crystal Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Lower Crystal Lake Dam, located in Orangeville, Michigan, is a privately-owned structure regulated by the Michigan DEGLE.


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Summary

Built in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 1235 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 660 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 40 acres for various water activities.

Tamarack Creek flows through this area, and the dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 5 feet. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam has a moderate risk rating of 3. Regular inspections are conducted every 5 years, with the last assessment taking place in November 2018. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in August 2015, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place in case of an emergency.

Overall, the Lower Crystal Lake Dam serves as both a recreational site and a vital structure for water resource management in Barry County, Michigan. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the engineering and regulatory details that contribute to the safety and functionality of this important dam.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

1235

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Tamarack Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

1.64

Nid Storage

660

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.