Featherbed Dam, also known as Featherbed Marsh, is a state-owned structure located in Big Rapids, Michigan.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1952, this earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a normal storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 1620 acre-feet, the dam impounds water from a tributary to Pickerel Lake Creek, covering a surface area of 350 acres.
Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Featherbed Dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition, as assessed in May 2017. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 5 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 190 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the structure has not been modified in recent years and is inspected every five years to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in Mecosta County, Michigan, may find Featherbed Dam a unique site for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. Positioned within a drainage area of 1.5 square miles, this dam provides opportunities for recreational pursuits while contributing to the local ecosystem's water management. With its tranquil surroundings and historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, Featherbed Dam remains a noteworthy landmark for visitors interested in the intersection of water resource management and environmental conservation.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
515 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Pickerel Lake Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
350 |
Hydraulic Height |
6.1 |
Drainage Area |
1.5 |
Nid Storage |
1620 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
9 |
Muskegon River At Evart
|
373cfs |
East Branch Pine River Near Tustin
|
12cfs |
Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove
|
164cfs |
Muskegon River Near Croton
|
1260cfs |
Clam River At Vogel Center
|
69cfs |
Chippewa River Near Mount Pleasant
|
169cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Haymarsh State Game Area
|
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Cran-Hill Ranch
|
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Blodgett Landing
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Tubbs Lake State Forest Campground
|
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Rambadt City Park
|
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Hillside Campground
|