Gray's Creek Raised Grade Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gray's Creek Raised Grade Dam, located in Schoolcraft, Michigan, was completed in 1978 by the USDA Bureau of Agricultural Engineering for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 11 feet, has a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a structural height of 9 feet, with a length of 620 feet. It holds a storage capacity of 1725 acre-feet and is situated on Gray's Creek.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection in July 2018 revealing the need for structural modifications. The dam's risk assessment is classified as very high, signaling potential vulnerabilities that require mitigation measures. With the primary source agency being the DOI FWS, the dam's management and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the safety of the surrounding area and the preservation of its ecological functions as a habitat for fish and wildlife.

Years Modified

2004 - Structural

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

620

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

GRAY'S CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

0.72

Nid Storage

1725

Structural Height

9

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

11
       
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.