Lake Bel-Air Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Bel-Air Dam, also known as Beebee Creek Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Jonesville, Michigan.


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Summary

Built in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 10.3 feet and spans a length of 650 feet, impounding Beebe Creek to create a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 412 acre-feet and a total storage of 567 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves the purpose of recreation, offering a surface area of 111 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition, the risk assessment for Lake Bel-Air Dam indicates a moderate level of risk, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures. In the event of an emergency, contact information and procedures are in place to respond effectively to any potential incidents.

With its picturesque location in Hillsdale County and its contribution to local recreation and water resources, Lake Bel-Air Dam is a valuable asset that requires careful stewardship and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and enjoyment for residents and visitors alike. Environmental and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the importance of preserving this dam and its associated ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

10.3

River Or Stream

Beebe Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

111

Hydraulic Height

9.9

Drainage Area

24.2

Nid Storage

567

Structural Height

10.3

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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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.