Kaatz Lake Dam dam
Kaatz Lake Dam
Kaatz Lake Dam in Sanilac, Michigan, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. This dam stands at a height of 11 feet with a hydraulic height of 10 feet, providing a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, it is categorized with a high risk assessment score of 2, highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures.
Located in the Buffalo District, this dam does not have a spillway and is designated for private use. While it has not been rated for its condition assessment, regular inspections are conducted every five years to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's purpose and associated structures remain unspecified, emphasizing the need for further exploration into its design and operational details for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Given its unique characteristics and risk profile, Kaatz Lake Dam serves as an intriguing case study for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience. With its location in Michigan and proximity to the Great Lakes, this privately owned structure presents a valuable opportunity for research and analysis in the realm of dam safety and environmental sustainability.
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 Kaatz Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Black River Near Jeddo | 150 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek Near Avoca | 77 cfs | → |
| Belle River At Memphis | 126 cfs | → |
| South Branch Flint River Near Columbiaville | 203 cfs | → |
| Farmers Creek Near Lapeer | 30 cfs | → |
| East Pond Creek At Romeo | 16 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Kaatz Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Long Lake, 204 Acres, Lapeer County
- Strawberry Lane 3627, Saint Clair County
- Bakersfield Park
- 40th Street 2401, Saint Clair County
Campgrounds
- Silver Trails Scout Reservation
- Sanilac County Park - Forester
- Evergreen County Park
- Lakeport State Park
- Ruby Campground
Fishing spots
Track Kaatz 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 Kaatz Lake Dam
Where does the data for Kaatz 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 Kaatz Lake Dam.