Schinella Mottes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Schinella Mottes Dam, located in Foster City, Michigan, is a privately owned structure on Quarry Creek with a primary purpose classified as 'Other.' This earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 210 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 120 acre-feet.


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Summary

The dam's surface area covers 45 acres and has an uncontrolled spillway type.

Despite its low hazard potential, Schinella Mottes Dam is in poor condition as of the last inspection in 2002. The dam is subject to state regulation by the Michigan DEGLE, with responsibilities for permitting, inspection, and enforcement falling under state jurisdiction. With a risk assessment rating of moderate (3), there is a need for risk management measures to be put in place to ensure the safety and stability of the dam.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Schinella Mottes Dam may find its unique characteristics and location in Dickinson County, Michigan, intriguing. The dam's association with Quarry Creek and its proximity to the Detroit District make it a notable structure worth monitoring for any developments or improvements in the future to address its current poor condition and moderate risk rating.

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Quarry Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

45

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

210

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.