Carrier Creek Structure A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Carrier Creek Structure A, located in Eaton County, Michigan, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 2008 for flood risk reduction along Carrier Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 24 feet and a hydraulic height of 21 feet, the dam spans 800 feet and has a storage capacity of 153 acre-feet. The controlled spillway, 16 feet wide, can handle a maximum discharge of 1000 cubic feet per second, making it a crucial structure for managing water flow and reducing flood risk in the area.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2020, Carrier Creek Structure A poses a high hazard potential due to its location and purpose. The dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The risk assessment for this dam is classified as very high, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and protect downstream communities from flooding events.

With Tim Walberg serving as the Congressional Representative for the area, Carrier Creek Structure A plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding community from flood risks. As an essential infrastructure for flood risk reduction, this earth dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners and state regulators in safeguarding water resources and adapting to the challenges of a changing climate.

Year Completed

2008

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

Carrier Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

2.4

Nid Storage

153

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
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.