Bay Land Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bay Land Dam, located in Whittemore, Michigan, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet with a length of 510 feet, providing a storage capacity of 585 acre-feet. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Michigan DEGLE, ensuring its safety and compliance with state standards.

With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Bay Land Dam poses a moderate risk level (3) according to the data. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 3 feet and has a drainage area of 1.6 square miles. Despite its relatively low risk, the dam undergoes regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community.

Overall, Bay Land Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in Ogemaw County, Michigan, offering opportunities for water-based activities and wildlife habitat. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the role of such infrastructure in managing water flow, providing recreational opportunities, and maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

510

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Tributary to Whitney Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

585

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.