Pine Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pine Creek Dam, located in Allegan, Michigan, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1973, the dam stands at a height of 17 feet with a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a length of 1700 feet. It has a storage capacity of 535 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 200 acre-feet and a surface area of 38 acres.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2018, Pine Creek Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating of 1. The dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), which also oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. The dam's spillway is controlled with a width of 40 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 3000 cubic feet per second.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Pine Creek Dam to be an intriguing structure due to its important role in providing recreational opportunities in the area. However, its significant hazard potential and high risk assessment highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam for both recreational users and downstream communities along Pine Creek.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

Pine Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

81

Nid Storage

535

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

17
       
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.