Ribeck Mead And Turner Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ribeck Mead and Turner Dam, located in Hillsdale, Michigan, along the W Fork W Br St Joseph River, stands as a testament to both historical engineering prowess and modern regulatory oversight.


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Summary

Built in 1880, this private-owned Earth dam primarily serves recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 775 acre-feet within its 190-foot length and 15.3-foot height structure. Despite its age, the dam has been well-maintained and is deemed to have low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2019.

Managed by the Michigan DEGLE, this dam undergoes regular inspections and has state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The surrounding area, including the city of Camden, benefits from the recreational opportunities and water resource management provided by Ribeck Mead and Turner Dam. With a controlled spillway type and a maximum discharge capacity of 85 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ribeck Mead and Turner Dam serve as a fascinating example of how historical dams can be successfully maintained and managed to meet modern regulatory standards. The combination of its historical significance, recreational benefits, and careful oversight make it a noteworthy structure in the Michigan landscape. Despite being over a century old, this dam continues to play a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in preserving our water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

190

Dam Height

15.3

River Or Stream

W Fork W Br St Joseph River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

125

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

2.1

Nid Storage

775

Structural Height

15.3

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.