Kelsey Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Thompson Dam Lost Lake Woods East Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Kelsey Dam, located in Alcona, Michigan, is a privately owned structure regulated by the state agency MICHIGAN DEGLE.
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Summary
This dam on Butternut Creek, with a height of 13.5 feet, serves as a vital water resource in the area, providing a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. While it lacks a spillway, its hazard potential is rated as low, with a high risk assessment score of 2, indicating the importance of proper risk management measures.
Despite not being rated for its condition, Kelsey Dam undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's location in the Buffalo District highlights its significance in water management for the region, with a normal storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a surface area of 40 acres. Although there are no associated structures or outlets, the dam's presence plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for surrounding areas.
With its modest height and risk potential, Kelsey Dam stands as a key component in the water infrastructure of Alcona County. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and management of structures like Kelsey Dam are essential in safeguarding the environment and local communities against potential hazards and ensuring sustainable water supply for the future.
Dam Height |
13.5 |
River Or Stream |
Butternut Creek |
Surface Area |
40 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.5 |
Nid Storage |
220 |
Structural Height |
13.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Thunder Bay River At Herron Road Near Bolton
|
365cfs |
Au Sable River Near Mc Kinley
|
965cfs |
Au Sable River Near Au Sable
|
883cfs |
Au Sable River Near Curtisville
|
838cfs |
Au Sable River At Mio
|
665cfs |
Au Sable River Near Red Oak
|
609cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Kelsey Dam