Horsehead Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Mecosta, Michigan, the Horsehead Lake Dam stands as a vital structure along Gilbert Creek, serving multiple purposes since its completion in 1961.


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Summary

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
       
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.