Briggs Dam dam
Briggs Dam
Briggs Dam, also known as Ismond Pond Dam, is located in Paw Paw, Michigan, along the South Branch Paw Paw River. Completed in 1898, this earth and gravity dam stands at a height of 9 feet and stretches 500 feet in length. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a picturesque spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy the 64-acre storage capacity and 18-acre surface area. Despite its age, the dam is in fair condition and is inspected regularly by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE).
The dam's significant hazard potential and very high risk assessment make it a focal point for risk management measures. Controlled by a spillway with a width of 37 feet, Briggs Dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1048 cubic feet per second. Although there are no associated structures or locks, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing recreational opportunities in the area. With Fred Upton representing the district in Congress, Briggs Dam stands as a historic landmark in Van Buren County, Michigan, serving as both a functional structure and a scenic destination for visitors.
As a state-regulated and state-permitted dam, Briggs Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. The dam's fair condition assessment and the implemented risk management measures highlight the importance of maintaining this vital water resource. With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, Briggs Dam continues to be a significant feature along the South Branch Paw Paw River, offering a balance between recreational enjoyment and environmental conservation for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate.
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 Briggs Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| West Fork Portage Creek Near Oshtemo | 11 cfs | → |
| West Fork Portage Creek At Kalamazoo | 16 cfs | → |
| Portage Creek At Kalamazoo | 68 cfs | → |
| South Branch Black River Near Bangor | 104 cfs | → |
| Kalamazoo River At Comstock | 1,210 cfs | → |
| St. Joseph River At Three Rivers | 1,750 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Briggs Dam.
Boat launches
- Sunset Park Boat Launch
- Paw Paw Township
- County Road 653 Pine Grove Township
- Brandywine Lake Road 31738, Pine Grove
- Porter Township
- 24th Street 46683, Columbia Township
Campgrounds
- Camp Rota-Kiwan
- Markin Glen County Park
- Paw Paw River Campgrounds
- Brookside City Park
- Youth Campground
- Van Buren State Park
Fishing spots
Track Briggs 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 Briggs Dam
Where does the data for Briggs 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 Significant 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 Briggs Dam.