DNR planning phased drawdown of Hall Lake Dam at Yankee Springs Recreation Area

Recent dam inspection leads to emergency drawdown order

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is moving forward this summer with a phased plan for drawing down Hall Lake Dam at Yankee Springs Recreation Area to a lower lake elevation – a decision that addresses safety issues with the Barry County impoundment while also allowing for continued recreation use at Hall Lake.

A routine spring inspection followed by an engineering analysis of the dam has led the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to issue an emergency drawdown order. The DNR will immediately apply for the necessary permitting to begin the gradual drawdown, which will begin later this month. The final project drawdown is expected to be complete by fall 2026 and is funded by an EGLE Dam Risk Reduction Grant.

“Given its classification as a significant hazard dam, the worsening condition of the culvert and embankment, the prohibitive cost estimates to undertake replacement by the state or local municipality, and the risk of expiration of grant funding for the project, reducing the lake level by decommissioning, or drawing down, of Hall Lake Dam is the only viable option,” said Joseph Jandernoa, park manager at Yankee Springs Recreation Area.

The phased drawdown will protect the integrity of Gun Lake Road, which runs along top of the earthen berm dam. The project calls for an initial drawdown of 3 feet in July 2025 and approximately another 3 feet in June 2026.

A gradual drawdown of not more than 6 inches per week will protect fish and wildlife, as well as stabilize sediments as much as possible.

“Once the project is completed, a smaller body of water will continue to exist for outdoor recreation, similar to its original lake size,” Jandernoa said. “And fortunately, there are other small lakes within Yankee Springs Recreation Area that can provide recreational experiences like those available on Hall Lake. These include Williams Lake, Long Lake, Baker Lake and Chief Noonday Lake.”

Public input

Discussing a possible drawdown of Hall Lake Dam with the public was an integral part of considering the dam’s future. During a spring open house, many community members expressed their desire to see Hall Lake Dam repaired rather than drawn down, and based on that information, the DNR engaged in extensive discussions with local governments and other public agency representatives to explore alternatives.

During this time, the DNR learned that dam impoundment conditions had worsened and would need to be addressed quickly. When it became clear that local governments and agencies were unable to assume full responsibilities for the dam, the DNR determined that drawing down the impoundment was the appropriate course of action.

Classified by EGLE as a significant hazard dam, failure of Hall Lake Dam could cause economic and environmental damage, or disrupt essential services downstream, though loss of life is unlikely. The dam also previously received a condition rating of “poor.”

“It is the DNR's goal to ensure that Hall Lake and surrounding amenities remain valuable natural resources that are both safe and sustainable,” Jandernoa said. “The short-term aspects of decommissioning the dam include a gradual lowering of Hall Lake to an approved level, removal of the outdated water control structures, installation of a new culvert under Gun Lake Road and full restoration of the road.

"Long-term, the drawdown will reduce the size and depth of Hall Lake but will allow this body of water as well as the North Country Trail and Hall Lake Trail to remain. Once the new lake level is established, the DNR will also explore replacing the existing boating access site with a carry-down access site.”

Learn more about Hall Lake Dam history and find FAQs at the DNR’s state parks system key updates webpage.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is responsible for managing 204 state-owned dams. The average age of these dams is 62 years old, and many were not designed for their current uses or to current construction standards. To ensure public safety and the operational effectiveness of these structures, the DNR is urgently assessing their condition and sustainability.

In addition to managing state-owned dams, the DNR assists partners and municipalities with dam removal by providing funding and technical assistance. This comprehensive approach helps protect, conserve and manage Michigan's natural and cultural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/DNRDams.

An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

• Hall Lake: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is moving forward this summer with a phased plan for drawing down Hall Lake Dam at Yankee Springs Recreation Area to a lower lake elevation – a decision that addresses safety issues with the Barry County impoundment while also allowing for continued recreation use at Hall Lake.