Youngs Dam dam
Youngs Dam
Youngs Dam, also known as Youngs Mill Pond Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in South Boardman, Michigan, along the South Branch Boardman River. Built in 1888, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans 400 feet in length, serving primarily for recreational purposes. With a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a surface area of 6 acres, the dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential dam with a fair condition assessment, Youngs Dam is at a very high risk level due to its age and design. The dam is equipped with a controlled spillway that is 24 feet wide, helping to manage water flow along the South Branch Boardman River. Emergency action plans are being evaluated to meet guidelines, and risk management measures are being considered to mitigate potential hazards associated with the dam. Overall, Youngs Dam presents a unique opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to observe the intersection of history, engineering, and environmental management in a picturesque setting in Kalkaska County, Michigan.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the preservation and maintenance of dams like Youngs Dam become increasingly crucial. By understanding the risks and management strategies associated with aging structures, enthusiasts can appreciate the delicate balance between human development and natural ecosystems. With its rich history and recreational significance, Youngs Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of evolving climatic conditions.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Youngs Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Boardman R Above Brown Bridge Road Nr Mayfield | 186 cfs | → |
| Manistee River Near Sherman | 1,530 cfs | → |
| Clam River At Vogel Center | 123 cfs | → |
| Manistee River Near Mesick | 1,610 cfs | → |
| Jordan River Near East Jordan | 197 cfs | → |
| Platte River At Honor | 148 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Youngs Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Youngs Dam
Where does the data for Youngs Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.