Johnson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Johnson Dam, located in Lapeer, Michigan, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1978 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 28 feet with a normal storage capacity of 108 acre-feet, the dam serves as a vital water resource for the area. Although it is not equipped with a spillway, the hazard potential is rated as low, making it a relatively safe structure.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Johnson Dam undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being last inspected in 1994, the risk assessment for the dam is considered high, with a risk level of 2 out of 5. With no associated structures and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, serving as a tributary to Farmers Creek.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Johnson Dam in Michigan is a noteworthy structure due to its recreational purpose and state-regulated status. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, ongoing risk management measures are likely in place to address any potential hazards. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Johnson Dam exemplifies the balance between human recreation and environmental conservation in the region.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

Tributary to Farmers Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

112

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
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.