Chikaming Springs Farm Dam dam
Chikaming Springs Farm Dam
Chikaming Springs Farm Dam, located in New Buffalo, Michigan, is a locally owned earth dam designed by USDA NRCS for recreation purposes. Completed in 1968, this dam stands at a height of 27.5 feet and has a hydraulic height of 26.5 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 102 acre-feet and a normal storage of 81 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to the Galien River, the dam serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
Managed by the Michigan DEGLE, this dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in fair condition as of the last inspection in November 2019. With a spillway type of uncontrolled and a spillway width of 22 feet, the dam poses a moderate risk (rated 3) according to the risk assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam continues to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors, offering a surface area of 7 acres and a maximum discharge of 229 cubic feet per second.
With its picturesque location and recreational amenities, Chikaming Springs Farm Dam stands as a vital water resource structure in Berrien County, Michigan. As it continues to be regulated, inspected, and maintained by the state authorities, this dam remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape while also supporting water conservation efforts in the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Chikaming Springs Farm Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Galien River Near Sawyer | 66 cfs | → |
| Trail Creek At Michigan City | 54 cfs | → |
| Trail Creek At Michigan City Harbor | 126 cfs | → |
| St. Joseph River At Niles | 4,410 cfs | → |
| Juday Creek Near South Bend | 17 cfs | → |
| Dowagiac River At Sumnerville | 331 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Chikaming Springs Farm Dam.
Boat launches
- South Red Arrow Highway 16979, New Buffalo Township
- Lake Michigan, New Buffalo, Berrien County
- Burgoyne Road 13379, Buchanan Township
- Thornton Drive Lincoln Charter Township
- Grand Mere Road 6045, Lincoln Charter Township
- River Front Drive Buchanan
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track Chikaming Springs Farm Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Chikaming Springs Farm Dam
Where does the data for Chikaming Springs Farm Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Chikaming Springs Farm Dam.