Located in Mecosta, Michigan, the Horsehead Lake Dam stands as a vital structure along Gilbert Creek, serving multiple purposes since its completion in 1961.
Wind
Humidity
This private-owned Earth dam boasts a height of 7 feet and a hydraulic height of 4.2 feet, providing storage capacity of 1800 acre-feet with a normal storage of 600 acre-feet. With a surface area of 430 acres and a drainage area of 10.27 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite being unregulated by the state, the Horsehead Lake Dam has been assessed as having a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition, with the last inspection conducted in June 2018. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 6 feet and poses a moderate risk level. While lacking certain regulatory oversight, the dam continues to operate effectively and meets the guidelines for emergency action plans, ensuring the safety of surrounding communities in case of any unforeseen events.
With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the Horsehead Lake Dam remains a key infrastructure for water resource management in the area. As climate change impacts water availability and quality, the importance of maintaining and monitoring such dams becomes increasingly critical to safeguarding the local environment and communities from potential risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
Gilbert Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
430 |
Hydraulic Height |
4.2 |
Drainage Area |
10.27 |
Nid Storage |
1800 |
Structural Height |
7 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
7 |
Muskegon River At Evart
|
373cfs |
Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove
|
164cfs |
Muskegon River Near Croton
|
1260cfs |
Chippewa River Near Mount Pleasant
|
169cfs |
Fish Creek Near Crystal
|
14cfs |
East Branch Pine River Near Tustin
|
12cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Tubbs Lake State Forest Campground
|
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School Section Lake Park
|
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Cran-Hill Ranch
|
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Canadian Lakes Campground
|
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Haymarsh State Game Area
|
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Merrill Lake Park
|