Senske Dam dam
Senske Dam
Senske Dam, also known as Skan I Ranch Dam, is a private recreational facility located in Pine River, Michigan. Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and spans 150 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to the Pine River, Senske Dam is primarily used for recreation, offering a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities like fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Despite its low hazard potential, Senske Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating some potential for risk management measures to be implemented. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has a maximum discharge capacity of 140 cubic feet per second. While it has not been inspected since January 1, 1901, the dam is still in fair condition and is considered safe for recreational use. With its picturesque location and peaceful surroundings, Senske Dam is a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities in the heart of Michigan.
As a private dam with no state jurisdiction or regulation, Senske Dam provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the beauty of Michigan's waterways in a tranquil and natural setting. While it may not have the same level of oversight as some public dams, Senske Dam remains a beloved recreational spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're a fishing enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a quiet place to unwind, Senske Dam is sure to captivate and inspire all who visit its scenic shores.
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 Senske Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle River Near Sterling | 416 cfs | → |
| Tobacco River At Glidden Road At Beaverton | 370 cfs | → |
| Tittabawassee River At Midland | 1,810 cfs | → |
| South Branch Tobacco River Near Beaverton | 125 cfs | → |
| Pigeon R Near Caseville | 64 cfs | → |
| Pine River Near Midland | 368 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Senske Dam.
Boat launches
- Saginaw Bay Lake Huron, Pine River, Arenac County
- East Pinconning Road Pinconning Township
- Saginaw Bay Lake Huron, Au Gres River, Arenac County
- Saginaw Bay Lake Huron, Coggins Rd, Bay County
- Section 23 Grim Township Road Grim Township
- East Greenwood Road Mills Township
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track Senske Dam 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 Senske Dam
Where does the data for Senske 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 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 Senske Dam.