McDonald Lake Dam, located in Ramsay, Michigan, is a concrete structure completed in 1941 primarily for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at a height of 9 feet with a hydraulic height of 8 feet, this dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 1400 acre-feet of water from McDonald Creek, covering a surface area of 390 acres. It serves as a controlled spillway with a width of 83 feet, ensuring the safe discharge of water up to 380 cubic feet per second.
Maintained and regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), McDonald Lake Dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2017. Despite its low risk level, the dam is located in an area with a very high risk designation due to its critical importance in flood control and water resource management. With regular inspections and a five-year inspection frequency, the dam ensures the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of the local ecosystem.
Overall, McDonald Lake Dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for both recreational activities and water resource management, demonstrating a balance between human enjoyment and environmental conservation. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, the intricate details and functional design of this dam showcase the careful consideration and engineering expertise put into managing and utilizing natural resources effectively in Gogebic County, Michigan.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
88 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
McDonald Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
390 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
24.7 |
Nid Storage |
1400 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
9 |