Fisk Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fisk Dam, located in Ogemaw, Michigan, serves as a recreational hub for the community while also providing essential water resource management.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this Earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet with a length of 300 feet, offering a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. Situated on Wood and Rifle Creeks, the dam boasts a controlled spillway with a width of 40 feet to regulate water flow and prevent flooding.

Despite its age, Fisk Dam maintains a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition. While it has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, the dam's risk assessment indicates a very high risk level, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The surrounding area, with a surface area of 4 acres, benefits from the dam's water storage capabilities and controlled discharge rate of up to 1540 cubic feet per second.

As a private-owned structure, Fisk Dam's primary purpose is recreation, attracting visitors to its picturesque setting in Omer, Michigan. With its historical significance and environmental impact on the local watershed, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management amidst a changing climate. Water and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Fisk Dam as a vital piece of infrastructure that harmonizes human recreation with ecological conservation.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Wood and Rifle Creeks

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

160

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.