Indian Lake and Carpenter Dam
Spanning 8,659 square acres and reaching a maximum depth of 15 feet, Indian Lake is the fourth-largest lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is situated in a vast 285-square-mile watershed. Several small tributaries feed the lake and the Indian River is the outlet from the lake. The lake's normal legal level is 613.27 feet above mean sea level.
Carpenter Dam
Located downstream on Indian River, Carpenter Dam (AKA Indian River Dam or Brewery Dam) is 110 feet in length and constructed of concrete.
Drinking Water
The Indian River supplies drinking water for the City of Manistique which has a population of approximately 2,800 people. The Carpenter Dam controls the level and flow rate of the Indian River in accordance with the needs of the Manistique municipal water system.
Winter Operations
To keep the dam operational this winter, the county will implement the following tactics:
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Install deicer fans
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Purchase a hot water pressure washer
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The fire department will also be available to spray water on the dam gates if there is significant ice build-up
Once the spring melt begins and the ice on the lake begins to break up, the gates will be moved to the open position to allow the ice to pass.
Indian Lake Level Authority Board
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Gilbert Baker, Hiawatha Township Supervisor, Chair
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Dan Hoholik, District 5 Commissioner, Vice Chair
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Theresa Lund, Thompson Township Supervisor, Secretary/Treasurer
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Troy Basset, District 3 Commissioner
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Corey Barr, City of Manistique Manager