Misch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Misch Lake Dam, located in Hunters Creek, Michigan, is a private earth dam completed in 1950 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 10 feet and a length of 430 feet, this dam creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 380 acre-feet and a surface area of 50 acres. The dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.

The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 6 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 230 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment in 2013, the risk assessment for Misch Lake Dam indicates a very high risk ranking of 1. Emergency action plans and inundation maps are not currently prepared or updated, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures for this vital water resource in Lapeer County.

Overall, Misch Lake Dam serves as a crucial asset for water storage, recreation, and flood control in the region. With its picturesque location and historical significance, it is essential for stakeholders and authorities to prioritize ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of this valuable infrastructure in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

430

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Hunters Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

0.73

Nid Storage

380

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.