Understanding the Flood Risk: How the Ellsworth Culvert and Bellaire Dam Affect Us

With recent rainfall and the “Ready” status updates from Antrim County, there has been a lot of confusing information on the news. To help our members understand exactly how Six Mile Lake is affected by the surrounding infrastructure, we’ve broken down the relationship between our lake, the Ellsworth culvert, and the Bellaire Dam.

The Three-Part System

Our lake is part of a complex ‘plumbing system.’ Water flows North through Six Mile Lake until it reaches the ‘U-turn’ at the Ellsworth culvert. From there, the entire chain turns South, passing through the Bellaire Dam on its way to Lake Michigan. Two specific structures dictate our water level:

1. The Ellsworth Culvert (Bridge Street)

This is our immediate bottleneck. Because this culvert is undersized, it acts like a narrow drain in a large sink. During heavy rain, water enters Six Mile Lake from its 68 tributaries faster than it can exit through this pipe. This causes the water to “stack up,” leading to the yard and shoreline flooding we are seeing now.

2. The Bellaire Dam (Intermediate River)

Located downstream, this dam sets the baseline level for the entire Upper Chain. If the dam is high, it creates a “backwater effect” that slows our drainage even further. As of mid-April 2026, the dam is under stress with water levels within 12 inches of the top.

The Critical Importance of Debris Management

While we cannot control the rain, we can control the single biggest wildcard in this crisis: floating debris. A “debris plug” at the Ellsworth culvert is the fastest way to turn a high-water situation into a local disaster.

Member Action Items:

• Secure Your Shoreline: Ensure all docks, kayaks, picnic tables, and benches are tied down. If it can float, it can become a plug.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for the RAVE emergency alert system. We are currently in the “Ready” phase.