Duffy Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Duffy Pond Dam in Saint Clair, Michigan, stands as a vital water resource infrastructure designed primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The earth dam was completed in 1972 and has a height of 20 feet, a length of 300 feet, and a storage capacity of 410 acre-feet. Situated on the Wolvin Drain, the dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), ensuring its compliance with state standards for safety and inspection.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Duffy Pond Dam serves as a reliable structure for flood control and water management in the region. Its uncontrolled spillway has a width of 16 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 270 cubic feet per second. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a level of caution in its operation and maintenance to mitigate potential risks. Despite its private ownership, Duffy Pond Dam plays a crucial role in supporting the ecological and recreational activities in the area.

As an integral part of the water infrastructure in St. Clair County, Duffy Pond Dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also serves as a critical piece of the region's water management system. With its moderate risk assessment and satisfactory condition, the dam continues to be a reliable asset for flood control and environmental conservation along the Wolvin Drain. By meeting state inspection and enforcement requirements, the dam ensures the safety and well-being of the surrounding community while contributing to the overall resilience of the water resource infrastructure in Michigan.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Wolvin Drain

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

410

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.