Lower Stony Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Stony Lake Dam, located in Stony Creek, Michigan, is a gravity dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1961, this dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a hydraulic height of 30.1 feet, with a length of 3500 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 5000 acre-feet and a drainage area of 68.2 square miles, this dam on the Stony Creek River offers a surface area of 590 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Lower Stony Lake Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition based on the most recent assessment in July 2020. Despite its high risk assessment, the dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 60 feet to manage maximum discharge of 7590 cubic feet per second. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in August 2017, ensuring that proper protocols are in place in case of emergencies.

With its rich history dating back to the early 1960s, Lower Stony Lake Dam not only serves as a recreational spot for water activities but also plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage in the Stony Creek area. As one of the iconic landmarks in Macomb County, Michigan, this dam continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts who appreciate its engineering marvel and environmental significance.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

3500

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

Stony Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

590

Hydraulic Height

30.1

Drainage Area

68.2

Nid Storage

13000

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

32
       
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.