Big Gulch Pond dam
Big Gulch Pond
Big Gulch Pond, also known as Curtisville Wildlife Pond 1, is a federally-owned water resource located in Alcona, Michigan. This earth dam structure was completed in 1996 and serves a primary purpose that falls under the category of "Other." With a maximum storage capacity of 73 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 33 acre-feet, this pond covers an area of 10 acres and has a drainage area of 0.21 square miles, making it an important feature in the local ecosystem.
Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Big Gulch Pond has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a hydraulic height of 11 feet, with an uncontrolled spillway of 2 feet in width. While the condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," the pond undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Located in Oscoda, Michigan, this pond is a vital resource for the surrounding community and wildlife, serving as a tributary to Wilbur Creek.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the value of Big Gulch Pond in maintaining the ecological balance of the area. With its controlled management by state regulatory agencies and its low hazard potential, this pond provides a safe and sustainable water source for the local environment. By understanding and appreciating the significance of structures like Big Gulch Pond, we can work towards ensuring the preservation and responsible use of our natural resources 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 Big Gulch Pond -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Au Sable River Near Mc Kinley | 1,680 cfs | → |
| Au Sable River Near Curtisville | 1,550 cfs | → |
| Au Sable River At Mio | 1,320 cfs | → |
| Au Sable River Near Red Oak | 1,410 cfs | → |
| Au Sable River Near Au Sable | 1,800 cfs | → |
| South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne | 329 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Big Gulch Pond.
Boat launches
- Federal Route 4001 Mitchell Township
- North Skeel Road Millen Township
- Evans Road Mentor Township
- Thompson's Landing River Access
- Pine Acres Boat Launch
- George Lake Boat Launch
Campgrounds
- Gabions Campground And Day Use
- Gabions Campground
- Bear Island Primitive Campsite
- Alcona Canoe Rental & Campground
- Horseshoe Lake Campground
- Horseshoe Lake Campground And Boat Launch
Fishing spots
- O'Brien Lake Access
- Sprinkler Lake Access Site
- Grebe Lake
- Crater Lake Fishing Access
- Cooke Dam Pond
- Londo Lake
More reservoirs
Track Big Gulch Pond 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 Big Gulch Pond
Where does the data for Big Gulch Pond 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 Big Gulch Pond.