Thompson Dam

North Branch Chippewa River· Isabella, Michigan· Earth· 13 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Thompson Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 39.7% in MI)
Dam Length280 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage160 acre-ft
Normal Storage115 acre-ft
Surface Area22 acres
Drainage Area17 sq mi
Max Discharge495 cfs
NID IDMI00788

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: September 13, 2001
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Mr. John McConnell

Private

Nearby Dams

Hamlin Dam

Isabella, MI

Low Hazard 25 ft

Duncan Dam

Isabella, MI

Low Hazard 27 ft

Farwell Mill Pond Dam

Clare, MI

Low Hazard 18 ft

Surrey Lake Dam

Clare, MI

High Hazard 16 ft

Lake 13 Dam

Clare, MI

High Hazard 19 ft

Five Lakes Dam

Clare, MI

Low Hazard 8 ft

Weidman Mill Pond Dam

Isabella, MI

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Valdaloch Dam

Clare, MI

Low Hazard 14 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Thompson Dam?

Thompson 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 Thompson Dam?

Thompson Dam is owned by Mr. John McConnell (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Thompson Dam?

Thompson 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 Thompson Dam?

Thompson Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Thompson Dam last inspected?

Thompson Dam was last inspected on September 13, 2001. 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.