Calumet Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Calumet Dam, located in Phillipsville, Michigan, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering with a completion date of 1920.


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Summary

This structure, standing at a height of 8 feet and a length of 150 feet, serves a primary purpose of "Other" and boasts a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Calumet Dam regulates the flow of Slaughterhouse Creek with a controlled spillway and a hazard potential rated as low, though its condition assessment in 2012 was deemed unsatisfactory.

Despite its age, Calumet Dam continues to be regulated and inspected by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, ensuring its operational integrity and safety. The dam's risk assessment is classified as "Very High (1)", underscoring the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance. The surrounding community, led by local government authorities, can take comfort in the fact that Calumet Dam has withstood the test of time, providing critical water resource management for Houghton County while minimizing the risk of potential hazards. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Calumet Dam stands as a historic and functional piece of infrastructure that plays a vital role in the local ecosystem.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Slaughterhouse Creek

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

0.65

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.