Babcocks Pond Dam, also known as Marstons Dam, is a private earth dam located in Blanchard, Michigan.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1973, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and has a structural height of 18 feet and a length of 210 feet. It holds a maximum storage capacity of 66 acre-feet and has a normal storage level of 44 acre-feet, with a surface area of 9 acres and a drainage area of 0.3 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition according to a condition assessment conducted in 1997. It has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 6 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 15 cubic feet per second. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), which regulates its operation, inspection, and enforcement.
While Babcocks Pond Dam poses a moderate risk, with a risk assessment rating of 3, the dam lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated emergency contacts. The last inspection was conducted in 1997 with a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor the condition of Babcocks Pond Dam and advocate for proper maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
210 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to S Branch Pine River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
66 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Fish Creek Near Crystal
|
14cfs |
Chippewa River Near Mount Pleasant
|
140cfs |
Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove
|
177cfs |
Muskegon River At Evart
|
412cfs |
Muskegon River Near Croton
|
1280cfs |
Maple River At Maple Rapids
|
44cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Blanchard Millpond Park
|
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Bass Beach Campground
|
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School Section Lake Park
|
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Coldwater Lake Family Park
|
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Canadian Lakes Campground
|