West Branch Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The West Branch Mill Pond Dam, located in Ogemaw, Michigan, was completed in 1900 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This earth-type dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 500 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The dam controls the flow of Ogemaw Creek and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 70 feet.

Despite its age, the condition of the West Branch Mill Pond Dam has not been officially rated since its last inspection in 1980. The hazard potential is currently labeled as "Undetermined," with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While the dam has not been state-regulated or inspected in recent years, its role in providing recreational opportunities and influencing the local ecosystem underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental sustainability. Climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates may find interest in the potential risks and management measures associated with this historic structure.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Ogemaw Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

19.5

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

20
       
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.