Manistique Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Manistique Lake Dam, located in Germfask, Michigan, is a privately owned structure on the Manistique River with a height of 7 feet and a length of 60 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1977, the dam serves primarily for purposes other than flood control or water supply, making it a crucial component for water resource management in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 20,200 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 28,000 acre-feet, the dam plays a significant role in regulating the flow of the Manistique River and maintaining the water levels of Manistique Lake.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Manistique Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in October 2018. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a very high risk due to its potential impact if failure were to occur. With controlled spillways and no associated locks, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are currently undetermined. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Manistique Lake Dam serves as a significant infrastructure point in Michigan's water management system, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for sustainable water resource practices.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

60

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

Manistique River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

7214

Hydraulic Height

7

Nid Storage

28000

Structural Height

7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

7
       
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.