Mcdonald Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

McDonald Lake Dam, located in Ramsay, Michigan, is a concrete structure completed in 1941 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 9 feet with a hydraulic height of 8 feet, this dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 1400 acre-feet of water from McDonald Creek, covering a surface area of 390 acres. It serves as a controlled spillway with a width of 83 feet, ensuring the safe discharge of water up to 380 cubic feet per second.

Maintained and regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), McDonald Lake Dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2017. Despite its low risk level, the dam is located in an area with a very high risk designation due to its critical importance in flood control and water resource management. With regular inspections and a five-year inspection frequency, the dam ensures the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of the local ecosystem.

Overall, McDonald Lake Dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for both recreational activities and water resource management, demonstrating a balance between human enjoyment and environmental conservation. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, the intricate details and functional design of this dam showcase the careful consideration and engineering expertise put into managing and utilizing natural resources effectively in Gogebic County, Michigan.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

88

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

McDonald Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

390

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

24.7

Nid Storage

1400

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.