Chestnut Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chestnut Lake Dam, located in Macomb, Michigan, is a gravity dam completed in 1968 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Situated on the Middle Branch Clinton River, this dam has a height of 15.6 feet and a hydraulic height of 15.2 feet, with a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. The dam serves to create an 8.1-acre surface area for recreational activities, with a normal storage capacity of 36 acre-feet.

Managed by the local government, the Chestnut Lake Dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam poses minimal risk to the surrounding area. The last inspection in December 2019 deemed the structure to be in good standing, meeting regulatory guidelines and ensuring the safety of the community.

Despite its moderate risk assessment, the Chestnut Lake Dam remains a vital asset for the city of Macomb, offering a scenic recreational area for residents and visitors to enjoy. With controlled spillways and a maximum discharge capacity of 760 cubic feet per second, the dam provides a safe environment for water-based activities while contributing to the overall conservation and management of the local water resources.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

15.6

River Or Stream

Middle Branch Clinton River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

8.1

Hydraulic Height

15.2

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

100

Structural Height

15.6

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.