Baldwin Fish Hatchery Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Baldwin Fish Hatchery Dam, located on the Baldwin River in Michigan, serves as a crucial structure for recreation purposes.


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Summary

This earth-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. Despite its relatively small size, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment, as last evaluated in 2011.

Managed by a private owner, the Baldwin Fish Hatchery Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Although the dam has not undergone modifications in recent years, regular inspections are conducted every four years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and poses a moderate risk level in terms of potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Baldwin Fish Hatchery Dam presents an interesting case study of a small-scale structure with significant implications for local water management and recreational activities. With its unique location on the Baldwin River and its historical significance as a part of Michigan's water infrastructure, the dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human intervention and natural resources in the context of water conservation and climate resilience.

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Baldwin River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

12
       
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.