Grand Mere Lake Level Control Structure dam
Grand Mere Lake Level Control Structure
Located in Berrien, Michigan, the Grand Mere Lake Level Control Structure is a gravity dam completed in 2007 with a primary purpose of recreation. Standing at 8.1 feet in height, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 95 acre-feet. The structure controls the water level in Grand Mere Lake, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
With a spillway width of 10 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, the Grand Mere Lake Level Control Structure has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in December 2020. The structure, which overlooks the Valley Drain, covers a surface area of 68 acres and serves as a vital component for maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding area. Despite being privately owned, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and flood control in the region.
While not regulated by the state, the Grand Mere Lake Level Control Structure is monitored for its risk assessment, which has been classified as moderate. With a designated inspection frequency of 5 years, the structure is equipped with emergency protocols for any unforeseen events. Overall, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and the preservation of natural habitats in Michigan.
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 Grand Mere Lake Level Control Structure -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Galien River Near Sawyer | 65 cfs | → |
| Paw Paw River At Riverside | 451 cfs | → |
| Dowagiac River At Sumnerville | 363 cfs | → |
| St. Joseph River At Niles | 3,940 cfs | → |
| Juday Creek Near South Bend | 16 cfs | → |
| Trail Creek At Michigan City | 73 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Grand Mere Lake Level Control Structure.
Boat launches
- Grand Mere Road 6045, Lincoln Charter Township
- Thornton Drive Lincoln Charter Township
- Riverbend Drive 2670, Fair Plain
- I 94 Fair Plain
- Saint Joseph Charter Township
- Riverview Drive 726, Benton Harbor
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track Grand Mere Lake Level Control Structure 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 Grand Mere Lake Level Control Structure
Where does the data for Grand Mere Lake Level Control Structure 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 Grand Mere Lake Level Control Structure.