Heintz Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Heintz Lake Dam, also known as Cabin Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in West Branch, Michigan.


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Summary

Constructed in 1930, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. With a height of 8 feet and a length of 100 feet, Heintz Lake Dam has a maximum storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and a normal storage of 20 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 11 acres.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Heintz Lake Dam has been classified as having a low hazard potential and is considered to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2017. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam poses a very high risk due to its location and potential consequences of failure. With a controlled spillway width of 4 feet and a maximum discharge of 270 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to handle excess water flow effectively. Water enthusiasts can appreciate the beauty of Heintz Lake Dam while being reassured of its safety and regulatory oversight by the state of Michigan.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Woods Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

130

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.