Headquarters Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Headquarters Lake Dam, located in Smithville, Michigan, is a state-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a hydraulic height of 9 feet, with a length of 350 feet. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 2,146 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 185 acres, with a drainage area of 12.9 square miles.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Headquarters Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 26 feet, and its hazard potential is classified as low, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2020. Despite being a moderate risk structure, the dam has not had any Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared or updated, but it meets guidelines for risk management measures.

Overall, Headquarters Lake Dam is a vital component of the water resource infrastructure in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, providing recreational opportunities while maintaining a steady water supply for the surrounding area. With its moderate risk level and satisfactory condition, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are crucial to ensure the continued safety and functionality of this important dam.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Fife Lake Outlet

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

185

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

12.9

Nid Storage

2146

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.