Lower Goose Pen Pool Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Goose Pen Pool Dam, located in Schoolcraft, Michigan, is a Federal-owned structure designed by the USDA Bureau of Agricultural Engineering with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond on Greys Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1937, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 470 acre-feet, with a drainage area of 47.44 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition as of the last inspection in August 2018. With a very high risk assessment rating, there are concerns surrounding the structural integrity and safety of the dam. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality regulates the dam, overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate may find Lower Goose Pen Pool Dam an intriguing case study due to its historical significance, engineering design, and environmental impact on the surrounding ecosystem. As efforts are made to assess and manage the risks associated with this aging structure, the future of this dam and its role in supporting fish and wildlife habitats will be closely monitored by regulatory agencies and stakeholders in the region.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

6825

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

GREYS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

47.44

Nid Storage

470

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.