Sutherland Lake Level Control Structure dam
Sutherland Lake Level Control Structure
Located in Harrison, Michigan, the Sutherland Lake Level Control Structure plays a crucial role in managing water levels and ensuring optimal conditions for recreation on Sutherland Lake. Built in 1968, this privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a storage capacity of 230 acre-feet. While its primary purpose is for recreational use, the structure also helps regulate water flow from the North Branch Jose Creek.
Despite being state regulated, the Sutherland Lake Level Control Structure has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed as "Not Rated" in terms of condition. With a risk assessment rating of "High (2)", there is a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the structure. The structure does not have a spillway, locks, or outlet gates, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and adherence to safety guidelines. Overall, the Sutherland Lake Level Control Structure serves as a vital resource for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the Clare County area.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Sutherland Lake Level Control Structure -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Branch Tobacco River Near Beaverton | 99 cfs | → |
| Tobacco River At Glidden Road At Beaverton | 242 cfs | → |
| Clam River At Vogel Center | 218 cfs | → |
| Muskegon River At Evart | 1,490 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River Near Mount Pleasant | 235 cfs | → |
| East Branch Pine River Near Tustin | 27 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Sutherland Lake Level Control Structure.
Boat launches
- Boat Launch (Concrete, Public) Harrison
- Lakewood Street Hayes Township
- Lincoln Township
- Lone Pine Road 2708, Grant Township
- West Spring Road 7199, Freeman Township
- Washington Road 4863, Grant Township
Campgrounds
- Wilson State Park
- Pettit Park
- Trout Lake State Forest Campground
- House Lake State Forest Campground
- Gladwin City Park
- Herrick Rec Area
Fishing spots
Track Sutherland Lake Level Control Structure in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Sutherland Lake Level Control Structure
Where does the data for Sutherland Lake Level Control Structure come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Sutherland Lake Level Control Structure.