Baldwin Flooding Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Baldwin Flooding Dam, located in Onondaga, Michigan, is a state-regulated structure on Trist Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at 6.5 feet tall and spans a length of 240 feet, providing a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 45 acre-feet and a drainage area of 16 square miles, the dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is categorized as having a low hazard potential.

The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 81 feet wide, can handle a maximum discharge of 350 cubic feet per second. Despite being last inspected in June 2017 and deemed to be in satisfactory condition, the dam is scheduled for inspections every five years. The risk assessment for Baldwin Flooding Dam is moderate, with a rating of 3, indicating that there are some potential risks associated with the structure that may require management measures in the future.

Overall, Baldwin Flooding Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, providing flood control and storage capacity for the surrounding community. With its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively while being monitored and regulated by the state of Michigan to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

6.5

River Or Stream

Trist Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Hydraulic Height

6.2

Drainage Area

16

Nid Storage

145

Structural Height

6.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

7
       
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.