Sunday Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sunday Lake Dam, located in Planter, Michigan, is a gravity dam on the Little Black River with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1915, this dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a hydraulic height of 9 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1100 acre-feet. With a surface area of 220 acres and a drainage area of 26 square miles, Sunday Lake Dam offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Sunday Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in September 2018. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 118 feet, ensuring the safety and stability of the structure. Despite its very high risk assessment rating of 1, the dam has no associated locks and has not undergone any modifications in recent years, highlighting its reliability and consistent performance.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sunday Lake Dam serves as a vital component in the region's water management infrastructure, providing both recreational opportunities and essential flood control measures. Its historical significance and ongoing maintenance efforts make it a key feature in the ecosystem of Gogebic County, Michigan, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in mitigating the impacts of climate change on local communities.
Year Completed |
1915 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
Little Black River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
220 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
26 |
Nid Storage |
1100 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Sunday Lake Dam
Minnewawa Falls To Lake Superior