Drawdown to occur on Michigan’s Big Creek impoundment in Crawford County

Lansing — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will lower water levels at Big Creek impoundment in Crawford County to investigate dam structural issues. The drawdown will begin in the coming weeks.

The 97-acre impoundment is surrounded by state-managed land and is maintained by the DNR Fisheries Division. Recreational users of the impoundment should anticipate noticeable changes during the drawdown period.

The water level will be drawn down to the original creek levels, about 17 feet below the current impoundment water level. The drawdown will occur gradually, lowering the water level by no more than 12 inches per week. The drawdown beginning spring 2025 will conclude no later than Oct. 1.

DNR staff identified significant structural issues with the dam riser structure and headwall during a routine inspection.

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Lowering the water level will allow a thorough inspection of the control structure to determine the extent of the damage.

The drawdown is supported by Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy dam safety personnel, who also periodically inspect the dam.

The gradual pace of the drawdown is intended to minimize ecological impacts, reduce the disturbance and movement of sediment and preserve the integrity of the entire structure during the operation.

Until feasibility and costs have been evaluated for all options to address the dam’s condition, a timeline for refilling the impoundment cannot be established.