Lower Lake Miramichi Dam dam
Lower Lake Miramichi Dam
The Lower Lake Miramichi Dam in Hersey, Michigan, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation. Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans a length of 2,100 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 3,500 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 2,500 acre-feet, the dam serves as a vital resource for water management in the region.
Situated on Big Stone Creek, the dam boasts a controlled spillway with a width of 15 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 230 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the structure is regularly inspected by Michigan DEGLE and has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in June 2018. With a risk assessment rating of very high (1), the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan readiness are crucial for ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and environment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Lower Lake Miramichi Dam presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of water management, recreational use, and risk assessment. As a key player in the local watershed, this dam provides valuable insights into the complexities of balancing human needs with ecological considerations in a changing climate. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam serves as a focal point for understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with managing water resources in a sustainable and resilient manner.
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 Lower Lake Miramichi Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon River At Evart | 799 cfs | → |
| East Branch Pine River Near Tustin | 16 cfs | → |
| Clam River At Vogel Center | 123 cfs | → |
| Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove | 129 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River Near Mount Pleasant | 163 cfs | → |
| Muskegon River Near Croton | 1,610 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lower Lake Miramichi Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Lower Lake Miramichi Dam
Where does the data for Lower Lake Miramichi 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 below 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.
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.