Browns Pond Dam, located in Montague, Michigan, is a significant earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
White River Near Whitehall
|
258cfs |
Bear Creek Near Muskegon
|
6cfs |
Muskegon River Near Croton
|
1260cfs |
Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove
|
164cfs |
Pere Marquette River At Scottville
|
459cfs |
Rogue River Near Rockford
|
126cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Diamond Point
|
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Lower Tent Village
|
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Upper Tent Village
|
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Blue Lake County Park
|
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Schanerville
|
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Ojibwa
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