Chappel Dam
Chappel Dam is an earth dam located in Gladwin County, Michigan, built in 1910. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Chappel Dam
The primary purpose of Chappel Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Gladwin County Drain Commissioner (private). It impounds the Cedar River near Gladwin.
The dam stands 32 feet tall and stretches 870 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 435 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,650 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 123 square miles. Completed in 1910, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/11/2019.
At 32 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Michigan dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Gladwin |
| Nearest City | Gladwin |
| River/Stream | Cedar River |
| Coordinates | 44.00344, -84.52980 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Length | 870 ft |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,650 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,650 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,280 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 435 acres |
| Drainage Area | 123 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,340 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Gladwin County Drain Commissioner |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/11/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00525 |
| Federal ID | MI00525 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |