Browns Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Browns Pond Dam, located in Montague, Michigan, is a significant earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1844, the dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a hydraulic height of 16.4 feet, providing a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet. The dam serves the Sand Creek river and has a drainage area of 8.3 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 230 cubic feet per second.

With a spillway width of 10 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Browns Pond Dam has been designated as having a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in May 2015. The dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite its condition, the dam poses a moderate risk and has a risk management rating of 3.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the Muskegon County area may find Browns Pond Dam a focal point for monitoring and potential restoration efforts to ensure its safety and longevity for both recreational and environmental purposes. The dam's historical significance, combined with its current state of deterioration, presents an opportunity for collaboration between local government, regulatory agencies, and concerned citizens to address the dam's maintenance and risk management needs in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1844

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Sand Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

16.4

Drainage Area

8.3

Nid Storage

125

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
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.