Morrison West Chain Lake Level Control Structure
Morrison West Chain Lake Level Control Structure is an earth dam located in Branch County, Michigan, built in 1847. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Morrison West Chain Lake Level Control Structure
The primary purpose of Morrison West Chain Lake Level Control Structure is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Branch County Drain Commission (private). It impounds the Coldwater River near Hodunk.
The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 560 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,160 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 6,800 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 173 square miles. Completed in 1847, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 10/09/2019.
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Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Branch |
| Nearest City | Hodunk |
| River/Stream | Coldwater River |
| Coordinates | 42.01366, -85.06152 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Length | 560 ft |
| Year Completed | 1847 (179 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 6,800 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 6,800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,160 acres |
| Drainage Area | 173 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,840 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Branch County Drain Commission |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/09/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00021 |
| Federal ID | MI00021 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |