Mckays Dam, located in Clare, Michigan, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1940 for recreational purposes along the Loon Lake Creek.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 13 feet and a length of 375 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a surface area of 96 acres, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 indicated poor maintenance, highlighting the need for ongoing inspection and potential risk management measures to ensure its safety and longevity.
Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Mckays Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to uphold safety standards. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 5 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 160 cubic feet per second. Although the dam's risk assessment is classified as "Very High (1)", there are currently no specific risk management measures or emergency action plans in place, indicating a potential area of improvement for the dam's long-term maintenance and safety protocols. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the Clare area may find Mckays Dam a fascinating case study for the intersection of recreational infrastructure and environmental stewardship in the region.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
Loon Lake Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
96 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
6.1 |
Nid Storage |
600 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Pettit Park
|
||
Herrick Rec Area
|
||
Wilson State Park
|