Cummings Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cummings Lake Dam, also known as Bambi Lake Dam, is a privately-owned structure located in Shiawassee, Michigan, near the city of Shytown.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 620 feet, creating a storage capacity of 230 acre-feet for recreational purposes. Situated on Springbrook Creek, this dam serves as a crucial water resource in the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 560 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Cummings Lake Dam has been well-maintained and is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in July 2017. The dam is regulated by the MICHIGAN DEGLE and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. With a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

The dam's controlled spillway, with a width of 5 feet, helps manage water levels and prevent flooding in the area. The dam's strategic location and design make it a vital component in the local water management system, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water resource management capabilities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Cummings Lake Dam play a crucial role in adapting to and mitigating the effects of a changing climate on water availability and management.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

620

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Springbrook Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

230

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

21
       
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.