Croton
Croton is a gravity dam located in Newaygo County, Michigan, built in 1907. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Croton
The primary purpose of Croton is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Consumers Energy Company (public utility). It impounds the Muskegon River near Newaygo.
The dam stands 46 feet tall and stretches 700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,209 acres, has a storage capacity of 22,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2,290 square miles. Completed in 1907, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/14/2022.
At 46 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Michigan dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Newaygo |
| Nearest City | Newaygo |
| River/Stream | Muskegon River |
| Coordinates | 43.43721, -85.66390 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 46 ft |
| Dam Height | 46 ft |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1907 (119 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 22,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 22,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,209 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,290 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 54,494 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Consumers Energy Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/14/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00162 |
| Federal ID | MI00162 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |