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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |