Gull Lake Dam dam
Gull Lake Dam
Gull Lake Dam, also known as Yorkville Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Completed in 1920, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 21 feet and spans 260 feet in length. It serves primarily for recreational purposes, regulating the flow of water from the Gull Lake Outlet. The dam has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in April 2018.
Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Gull Lake Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 13 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 5393 acre-feet and a surface area of 2050 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management within the region. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam has not undergone significant modifications over the years and is subject to regular inspections and enforcement to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gull Lake Dam presents a fascinating case study of a historic structure that continues to play a vital role in the local ecosystem. As part of the Chicago District under the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam provides valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure, recreation, and environmental stewardship. With its unique design and purpose, Gull Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between human activities and natural water systems, highlighting the importance of responsible dam management in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Gull Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Augusta Creek Near Augusta | 37 cfs | → |
| Kalamazoo River At Comstock | 969 cfs | → |
| Kalamazoo River Near Battle Creek | 668 cfs | → |
| Portage Creek At Kalamazoo | 51 cfs | → |
| Battle Creek At Battle Creek | 204 cfs | → |
| West Fork Portage Creek At Kalamazoo | 12 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Gull Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Charleston Township
- Green Trail Charleston Township
- East Michigan Avenue 188, Galesburg
- Charter Township Of Comstock
- Plaza Avenue Charter Township Of Comstock
Campgrounds
- Fort Custer State Rec Area
- Improved Campground
- Cold Brook County Park
- Camp Merrie Wood
- Markin Glen County Park
- Brookside City Park
Fishing spots
Track Gull Lake 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 Gull Lake Dam
Where does the data for Gull 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 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 Gull Lake Dam.