Danaher Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Danaher Lake Dam, also known as Pere Marquette Rod & Gun Club Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Scottville, Michigan.


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Summary

Completed in 1931, this gravity dam on Danaher Creek serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 17 acres. The dam stands at 21 feet high with a spillway width of 10 feet, ensuring controlled discharge during peak flows.

Managed and regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the dam has a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2013. Despite its relatively low risk profile, the dam is situated in an area with very high risk factors, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring. With a drainage area of 6.5 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and mitigating potential flood risks.

Located in the Chicago District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Danaher Lake Dam provides a fascinating example of how private infrastructure can contribute to both recreational activities and water resource management. As a key feature of the local landscape, this dam showcases the intersection of human engineering with natural ecosystems, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in preserving our water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1931

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Danaher Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

6.5

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

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.