Crystal Lake Dam dam
Crystal Lake Dam
Crystal Lake Dam, located in Fenton, Michigan, is a state-owned structure built in 1924 primarily for recreational purposes. Situated on Swartz Creek, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet with a length of 365 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating and has not been inspected since August 1992.
With a spillway width of 10 feet and a maximum discharge of 150 cubic feet per second, Crystal Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and ensuring the safety of surrounding areas. Although it is not regulated by the state and lacks regular inspection and enforcement measures, the dam remains a vital component of the local ecosystem. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the condition and management of Crystal Lake Dam is essential for understanding its impact on the environment and community.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Crystal Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Kearsley Creek Near Davison | 66 cfs | → |
| Huron River At Milford | 73 cfs | → |
| Flint River Near Flint | 804 cfs | → |
| Farmers Creek Near Lapeer | 27 cfs | → |
| Huron River Near New Hudson | 105 cfs | → |
| Flint River Near Otisville | 326 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Crystal Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Crotched Lake, (Holly Recreation Area), Oakland County
- Thomas Road Oakland County
- Groveland Boulevard Oakland County
- Valley Lake, (Holly Recreation Area), Oakland County
- Dickinson Lake, (Seven Lakes St Park), Oakland County
- Lake Fenton, 845 Acres, Genesee County
Campgrounds
- Group Camping Area 2
- Group Camping Area 3
- Group Camping Area 1
- Group Camping Area 4
- Group Camping Area 5
- Group Camping Area 6
Fishing spots
Track Crystal Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Crystal Lake Dam
Where does the data for Crystal Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Crystal Lake Dam.