Reed Ranch Dam

Upper S Br Thunder Bay River· Oscoda, Michigan· Built 1938· Earth· 14 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Reed Ranch Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 44.8% in MI)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage650 acre-ft
Normal Storage380 acre-ft
Surface Area350 acres
Max Discharge120 cfs
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)
NID IDMI00337

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 5, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Fairview Enterprises

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Reed Ranch Dam?

Reed Ranch Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Reed Ranch Dam?

Reed Ranch Dam is owned by Fairview Enterprises (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Reed Ranch Dam built?

Reed Ranch Dam was completed in 1938, making it 88 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Reed Ranch Dam?

Reed Ranch Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Reed Ranch Dam?

Reed Ranch Dam has a dam height of 14 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Reed Ranch Dam last inspected?

Reed Ranch Dam was last inspected on August 5, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.