Sessions Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sessions Creek Dam, located in Saranac, Michigan, is a state-owned earth dam that was completed in 1981 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 65.8 feet and a hydraulic height of 62.7 feet, this dam on Sessions Creek has a storage capacity of 3,500 acre-feet and a drainage area of 15.5 square miles. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 135 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 1,860 cubic feet per second.

Despite its significant hazard potential, Sessions Creek Dam is in satisfactory condition according to a 2017 assessment. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE). While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes inspections every four years to ensure its safety and functionality. With a risk assessment rating of moderate (3), the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan are crucial for mitigating potential hazards and ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

65.8

River Or Stream

Sessions Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

110

Hydraulic Height

62.7

Drainage Area

15.5

Nid Storage

3500

Structural Height

65.8

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

66
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.