Toledo Boy Scouts Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Toledo Boy Scouts Dam, located in Bridgewater Center, Michigan, stands as a testament to the commitment of the USDA NRCS in designing a recreational structure that enhances the surrounding environment.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam on the West Branch St. Joseph River serves primarily for recreation, providing a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a normal storage of 60 acre-feet. With a dam height of 23 feet and a length of 470 feet, the dam offers a surface area of 12 acres and a maximum discharge of 500 cfs.

Managed by private owners, Toledo Boy Scouts Dam is regulated by the Michigan DEGLE, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safe operation. Despite being classified with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the risk assessment for this dam is moderate, indicating the need for continuous monitoring and risk management measures. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 37 feet, further adds to its recreational appeal, attracting visitors from the region to enjoy the scenic beauty and water activities offered by this structure.

With its strategic location and contribution to the local landscape, Toledo Boy Scouts Dam represents a harmonious blend of recreational purpose and environmental stewardship. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the Hillsdale County area, this dam serves as a key attraction, inviting visitors to appreciate the beauty of the West Branch St. Joseph River while emphasizing the importance of responsible dam management practices to ensure safety and sustainability for future generations.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

West Branch St. Joseph River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

19.3

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

23
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds