Ceresco Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rice Creek Dam Perrin Dam No 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ceresco Dam, located in Ceresco, Michigan, serves as a recreational spot along the Kalamazoo River.
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Summary
Built in 1906, this earth dam stands at 23 feet high and spans 488 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 3500 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, controlled with a width of 180 feet, helps regulate water levels and prevent flooding in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Ceresco Dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its age and lack of recent assessments. With no state regulation or inspection, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, raising concerns about its long-term safety and structural integrity. As an important piece of infrastructure in the region, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans need to be updated and aligned with current guidelines to ensure the protection of surrounding communities and the preservation of the Kalamazoo River ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1906 |
Dam Length |
488 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
Kalamazoo River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
367 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
482 |
Nid Storage |
3500 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Ceresco Dam
Marshall Township