Phoenix Dam
Phoenix Dam is a gravity dam located in Wayne County, Michigan, built in 1920. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Phoenix Dam
The primary purpose of Phoenix Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Wayne County Dpt Of Public Services (local government). It impounds the Middle Branch River Rouge near Plymouth.
The dam stands 24 feet tall and stretches 500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 35 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 56 square miles. Completed in 1920, 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 01/18/2018. That was 8 years ago, which is on the longer end for a high-hazard structure.
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 | Wayne |
| Nearest City | Plymouth |
| River/Stream | Middle Branch River Rouge |
| Coordinates | 42.39276, -83.46703 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 24 ft |
| Dam Height | 24 ft |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 450 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 450 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 340 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 35 acres |
| Drainage Area | 56 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,860 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Wayne County Dpt of Public Services |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 01/18/2018 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00397 |
| Federal ID | MI00397 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |