Phipps Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Phipps Lake Dam, also known as Phillips Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Grand Blanc, Michigan.


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Summary

Built in 1930, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and stands at a height of 10 feet with a length of 75 feet. Situated on the Zimmerman Branch river, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 50 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Phipps Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE). The dam's controlled spillway, with a width of 3 feet, ensures the safe release of excess water during periods of high flow. With a very high risk rating, the dam's emergency action plan status and inundation maps have not been updated recently, highlighting potential vulnerabilities that may need to be addressed in the future to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

75

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Zimmerman Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

54

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

75

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.