Muddy Grimes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Muddy Grimes Dam in Alger, Michigan, stands as a key recreational spot, completed in the year 1900.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 8 feet and a length of 140 feet, serves its primary purpose of recreation, offering a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Situated on a tributary to the East Branch Indian River, the dam holds a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 100 acres.

Despite its age, Muddy Grimes Dam boasts a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment. With an uncontrolled spillway width of 12 feet, the dam's condition remains unrated since its last inspection in October 1999. Although not state-regulated, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are currently unspecified. Positioned within the Detroit District, the dam's serene location and design make it a picturesque site for those seeking outdoor recreation amidst Michigan's natural beauty.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

140

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Trib to East Br Indian River

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

100

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

350

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.