Pickerel Lake Dam, located in Big Rapids, Michigan, serves as a key recreational site with a primary purpose of providing recreational activities for enthusiasts.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1957, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 11.5 feet and boasts a maximum storage capacity of 480 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Pickerel Lake Creek, covers a surface area of 90 acres and has a drainage area of 7.4 square miles.
Managed by the state of Michigan and regulated by the MICHIGAN DEGLE, Pickerel Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of May 2017. With an uncontrolled spillway type and a spillway width of 81 feet, the dam has a moderate risk assessment level of 3. Despite its age, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety for surrounding communities. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pickerel Lake Dam presents an interesting case study in dam management and the intersection of recreational and environmental considerations.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
165 |
Dam Height |
11.5 |
River Or Stream |
Pickerel Lake Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
90 |
Hydraulic Height |
10.3 |
Drainage Area |
7.4 |
Nid Storage |
480 |
Structural Height |
11.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Muskegon River At Evart
|
373cfs |
Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove
|
164cfs |
Muskegon River Near Croton
|
1260cfs |
East Branch Pine River Near Tustin
|
12cfs |
Chippewa River Near Mount Pleasant
|
169cfs |
Clam River At Vogel Center
|
69cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Haymarsh State Game Area
|
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Cran-Hill Ranch
|
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Tubbs Lake State Forest Campground
|
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Blodgett Landing
|
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School Section Lake Park
|
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Merrill Lake Park
|