Barnes Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barnes Lake Dam, located in Columbiaville, Michigan, was completed in 1935 and serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 7 feet in height, with a hydraulic height of 4 feet and a length of 225 feet. The dam holds a normal storage capacity of 132 acre-feet, with a total storage of 184 acre-feet. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 7 feet, and it has a low hazard potential rating.

Managed by the local government, Barnes Lake Dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, it undergoes inspections every 5 years, with the last inspection date recorded as January 1, 1901. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) not yet assigned.

Despite its age, Barnes Lake Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities to visitors while adhering to state regulatory standards. The dam's location on the Barnes Lake Outlet offers a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts and climate enthusiasts alike to appreciate the importance of water resource management and infrastructure maintenance in ensuring public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

Barnes Lake Outlet

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

110

Hydraulic Height

4

Nid Storage

184

Structural Height

7

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.