Rushmore Lake Level Control Structure Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Rushmore Lake Level Control Structure in Hudsonville, Michigan, is a private-owned earth dam completed in 1975 primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Located on Rushmore Creek, this structure has a hydraulic height of 4.7 feet and a structural height of 8 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 185 acre-feet, the dam serves as a low hazard potential facility with a satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2018.

Covering a surface area of 39.2 acres and draining a 0.22 square mile watershed, the Rushmore Lake Level Control Structure features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 3 feet. Despite being privately owned, the dam does not fall under state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, or enforcement. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there are currently no emergency action plans in place for this dam, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of risk management and emergency preparedness. Overall, Rushmore Lake Level Control Structure provides a valuable recreational resource while also warranting attention to ensure its safe operation and maintenance in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

3200

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Rushmore Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39.2

Hydraulic Height

4.7

Drainage Area

0.22

Nid Storage

185

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.