Lower Long Lake Dam

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Lower Long Lake Dam, located in Millville, Michigan, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1965 for the primary purpose of recreation. The dam, standing at 11 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 9.3 feet, controls the flow of the Abbott Drain and creates a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 600 acre-feet. With a surface area of 285 acres and a drainage area of 4.5 square miles, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in fair condition according to the last inspection conducted in May 2020.

Despite its low hazard potential, Lower Long Lake Dam poses a very high risk (ranked 1 out of 10) according to risk assessment criteria. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 5 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not been significantly modified over the years and does not have associated locks or outlet gates, it undergoes regular inspections by the state regulatory agency, Michigan DEGLE, to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently not reported, indicating potential areas for improvement in emergency preparedness.

Overall, Lower Long Lake Dam serves as a recreational resource for the local community, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. As an earth dam with a modest height and storage capacity, the dam plays a vital role in flood control and water management in the area. With its relatively low hazard potential and fair condition, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to ensure the safety and longevity of the dam for both recreational and environmental purposes in the years to come.