Peterson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Peterson Dam, located in Brookside, Michigan, is a privately owned gravity dam on Brooks Creek with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 9 feet and stretches 360 feet in length, creating a maximum storage capacity of 108 acre-feet. The dam's low hazard potential and fair condition assessment make it a relatively safe structure for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation in the surrounding area.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Peterson Dam is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While the dam was last inspected in November 2011 and deemed to be in fair condition, ongoing risk management measures and regular inspections help mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystem.

With its picturesque location in Newaygo County, Peterson Dam offers visitors a serene setting for outdoor recreation and water-based activities. Despite its modest size and relatively low hazard potential, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water storage and flood control for the area, contributing to the overall water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Michigan's waterways.

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Brooks Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

20

Drainage Area

18.3

Nid Storage

108

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.