Buttermilk Creek Detention Dam
Buttermilk Creek Detention Dam is an earth dam located in Ottawa County, Michigan, built in 2000. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Buttermilk Creek Detention Dam
The primary purpose of Buttermilk Creek Detention Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Ottawa County Wrc (private). It impounds the Buttermilk Creek.
The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 480 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 240 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 2000, the structure is 26 years 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 04/27/2023.
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 | Ottawa |
| River/Stream | Buttermilk Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.84575, -85.87368 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Year Completed | 2000 (26 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 240 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 240 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 400 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Ottawa County WRC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/27/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI04010 |
| Federal ID | MI04010 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |