Birch Lake Dam
Birch Lake Dam
Birch Lake Dam, also known as Upper Roethlisberger, is a private dam located in Mecosta, Michigan, along the Long Lake Outlet. Completed in 1985, the earth dam stands at a height of 10.8 feet with a primary purpose of recreation. With a NID storage capacity of 65 acre-feet, it offers a serene surface area of 11 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE). It undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The risk assessment for Birch Lake Dam indicates a high risk level of 2, prompting the need for effective risk management measures in place.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Birch Lake Dam presents a captivating site for recreational activities in Michigan. Its scenic location, combined with its regulated status and risk assessment, offers a unique blend of enjoyment and safety for visitors. Whether for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Birch Lake Dam is a must-visit destination for those interested in water resources and outdoor adventures.
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 Birch Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon River At Evart | 539 cfs | → |
| East Branch Pine River Near Tustin | 9 cfs | → |
| Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove | 80 cfs | → |
| Muskegon River Near Croton | 1,190 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River Near Mount Pleasant | 127 cfs | → |
| Clam River At Vogel Center | 84 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Birch Lake Dam.
Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Birch Lake Dam
Where does the data for Birch 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.