Embedded Files
2025 Inspection
2025 Inspection
In 2025, EGLE required the LJPOA to complete a mandatory 3-year inspection of the dam. The Spicer Group provided Professional Engineering Services regarding a detailed structural field inspection of the Lake James Dam. In the Fall 2025, the boards on the dam were removed and in conjunction with low rainfall, the lake level was lowered enough for the Spicer team to safely and completely enter the outlet tube and provide a detailed inspection of the dam. In addition, an underwater drone was used to evaluate the inlet tube which hadn't been evaluated in many years.
Dam ratings are assigned on a scale from satisfactory to poor to unsatisfactory. Unfortunately, our dam has been rated “poor” – which is defined as:
“Dam safety deficiency is recognized for loading conditions that 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: further investigations and studies are necessary.”
Based upon what we have seen over the past couple of years, this rating was expected. It does not mean that the dam is in imminent risk of failure, but some issues require our attention. We have shared these issues in previous LJPOA meetings, and our website has numerous videos and documents detailing the issues, but at a summary level, the main issues and actions are:
1. The HDPE outlet pipe has water saturating soils along the outside of the outlet pipe, causing the bands at the pipe joints to deform from the hydrostatic pressure. Leaks near the pipe joints are the greatest concern.
Action: An engineering investigation will need to be conducted to review the existing conditions and causes of the issue so a proper solution can be designed by a Professional Engineer and then permitted through the EGLE dam safety department.
2. The concrete drop structure on the inlet side of the dam was in fair condition. The surface of the concrete has worn away, exposing the aggregate material. This appears to be due to the age of the material. Notable crack above the outlet pipe with some vegetation and moss observed growing on the concrete. Also, small pieces of loose concrete that have separated from the main structure were observed.
Action: Begin planning and setting aside funds for the rehabilitation of the drop structure. Remove moss and other vegetation on concrete to prolong service life.
3. Minor erosion on the bank downstream of the outlet.
Action: Adjust existing riprap by placing it on the eroding slope to stabilize and bringing in additional riprap if needed.
4. Rodent holes and small muskrat were observed during the inspection. Rodent holes were located on the surface of the embankment.
Action: Call a trapper to remove rodents from the embankment and continue to monitor for new activity. Use EGLE mud packing technique to fill any existing rodent holes found in the embankment.
5. Metal grates, handrails, and inlet material have surface rust.
Action: Remove surface rust and the remaining existing coating by sandblasting or using a similar method and coating with heavy duty product designed for wet conditions to extend life of the pipe.
6. The small portion of the outlet pipe consists of approximately 5 feet of CMP. This portion of the outlet pipe near the drop structure is asphalt-coated, the coating is flaking and riveted metal pipe has begun to rust.
Action: Remove surface rust by sandblasting or using a similar method and paint to extend the life of the metal structure.
Next Steps: We are working with The Spicer Group to detail our next steps, which will start with an engineering study and plan to be put in place. Once completed, we will have the data needed to send out RFQ’s (Request for Quotes) to vendors to implement the construction changes. Once that is complete, construction will commence. Realistically, repairs will be done in the Fall of 2027, but that is subject to a lot of upfront planning, which will happen over the next 6-9 months.
The entire inspection report and new underwater drone video of the inlet tube can be viewed by the following links:
2024 Structural Field Inspection
2024 Structural Field Inspection
In 2024, Spicer Group provided Professional Engineering Services regarding a detailed structural field inspection of the Lake James Dam. The dam was visited and inspected by two senior engineers. They completed their inspection on December 23, 2024 and presented their findings to the board at our January 16, 2025 LJPOA Board Meeting.
Links to the Spicer report on the Lake James Dam and a video of their presentation can be found below.
Link to the 2024 Dam Inspection Report
Link to the Spicer Group's Presentation of the Dam Findings
Link to the State of MI Dam Ratings
Link to the Follow Up Inspection Letter Agreement for Professional Services
Dam Overview Information
Dam Overview Information
Please read this document to understand the construction and operation of the Lake James Dam
2022 Dam Inspection Report
2022 Dam Inspection Report
The dam was inspected by the Spicer Group on October 20, 2022. The report was completed on December 14th and will be filed as required by EGLE by year end. We are required to have our dam inspected every three years. EGLE's Dam Safety website information can be found here.
Denton Creek Dam Removal
Denton Creek Dam Removal
The LJPOA is formally contacting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and requesting that our association be notified when feasibility studies, economical and social impact studies and permit requests are submitted.
---
The DNR is planning to remove their dam on Denton Creek in the spring of 2022. The dam is located upstream from Lake James. This dam helped to create and maintain the Denton Creek flooding. The dam was built in the 1950s and Wildlife Division determined that they can now remove the dam to restore the natural water flow. The beaver population has returned to the area providing natural dams and the need for manmade structures has diminished.
You can read about the dam removal from the following sources:
Two Roscommon County dams to be removed - upnorthvoice.com
Here is a LJPOA video that shows the location of the dam and its function:
You can view this video and videos regarding our dam on Lake James on our website:
lakejamesmi.com - Dam Maintenance Archive
LJPOA Board Members contacted the local DNR office and was assured that removal of the dam will have no impact upon our lake.
Dam Insurance - Notice of Nonrenewal
Dam Insurance - Notice of Nonrenewal
Auto-owners Insurance Company notified the Association Board that they will not allow us to renew our Dam Insurance in September. The board is looking into alternative insurance providers. The board believes this is due to the recent dam failures nearby, yet our dam is regular inspected and all maintenance is up to date.
May 11th, 2021 Update
May 11th, 2021 Update
After another spring thaw on Lake James our dam appears to be in the same good condition as last year. As of the first of May we have had about 2 1/4 inches of rain. The lake level at this time appears to be OK. We have made numerous board adjustments since ice out to maintain the current lake level.
Archive of Dam Maintenance Reports
Archive of Dam Maintenance Reports
Page updated
Report abuse