Pickerel (Bergess Lake) Dam dam
Pickerel (Bergess Lake) Dam
The Pickerel (Bergess Lake) Dam, located in Big Rapids, Michigan, stands as a testament to water resource management and climate resilience. Completed in 1971, this privately owned dam on Ryan Creek serves a primary purpose that goes beyond traditional flood control or water supply - it is designated for "Other" purposes, reflecting a holistic approach to water management. With a height of 13 feet and a storage capacity of 700 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing recreational opportunities in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the Pickerel Dam is subject to regular inspections every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 44 feet, allowing excess water to be safely released during high flow events. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate (3), indicating a proactive approach to risk management and emergency preparedness. Overall, the Pickerel (Bergess Lake) Dam serves as a model for sustainable water infrastructure that balances environmental protection, water supply, and public safety in the face of changing climate patterns.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, the Pickerel Dam stands as a vital piece of infrastructure in the Mecosta County watershed. With its location in the Ryan Creek watershed, the dam plays a critical role in managing water flow and storage, especially during periods of increased precipitation and runoff. The dam's ability to store up to 700 acre-feet of water and its controlled release mechanisms help mitigate flood risks downstream while also providing essential water supply for various uses. As a privately owned structure, the Pickerel (Bergess Lake) Dam showcases the importance of collaboration between public and private entities in safeguarding water resources for future generations.
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 Pickerel (Bergess Lake) Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon River At Evart | 799 cfs | → |
| Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove | 129 cfs | → |
| Muskegon River Near Croton | 1,610 cfs | → |
| East Branch Pine River Near Tustin | 16 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River Near Mount Pleasant | 163 cfs | → |
| Pine River At High School Bridge Nr Hoxeyville | 257 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Pickerel (Bergess Lake) Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Pickerel (Bergess Lake) Dam
Where does the data for Pickerel (Bergess Lake) Dam 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 below 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.
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.