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High Risk Dams in Michigan

Michigan has 18 high hazard dams with a condition assessment of poor or unsatisfactory. These are dams where failure would probably cause loss of human life and where recognized safety deficiencies have been identified.

Of the 146 high hazard dams in Michigan, 18 (12%) have concerning condition ratings — 14 rated poor and 4 rated unsatisfactory.

Condition scale, best to worst
  1. Satisfactory No existing or potential safety deficiencies recognized; acceptable performance expected under all loading conditions.
  2. Fair No deficiencies under normal operating conditions; a rare flood or earthquake could create one.
  3. Poor A safety deficiency is recognized under normal operating conditions; remedial action is necessary.
  4. Unsatisfactory Worst rating. The dam is considered unsafe; a deficiency requires immediate or emergency remedial action.

"Not rated" means no assessment is on file in the National Inventory of Dams.

DamCountyHeight (ft)ConditionLast inspectedPurposeYear
Secord DamGladwin57Unsatisfactory11/12/20214 yrs agoHydroelectric1925
Edenville DamGladwin57Unsatisfactory03/01/20206 yrs agoRecreation1924
Smallwood DamGladwin36Unsatisfactory11/12/20214 yrs agoRecreation1925
Sanford DamMidland36Unsatisfactory08/16/20215 yrs agoRecreation1925
Barton DamWashtenaw34Poor06/24/20251 yr agoWater Supply1913
Cornwall Creek DamCheboygan33Poor09/26/20197 yrs agoRecreation1966
La BargeKent32Poor09/29/20251 yr agoHydroelectric1901
Little Black River Structure BCheboygan31Poor08/15/20179 yrs agoFlood Risk Reduction1962
Trowbridge DamAllegan30Poor08/18/20233 yrs agoRecreation1899
Manistique Papers DamSchoolcraft25Poor04/27/201610 yrs agoRecreation1919
SturgisSt. Joseph25Poor08/28/20251 yr agoHydroelectric1913
Menasha DamAllegan22Poor11/03/20223 yrs agoHydroelectric1886
Peninsular Paper DamWashtenaw21Poor06/08/20224 yrs agoRecreation1867
Shamrock Lake DamClare20Poor09/18/20206 yrs agoRecreation1962
White Cloud DamNewaygo19Poor05/25/20224 yrs agoRecreation1872
Portage Plant DamSt. Joseph19Poor12/02/20214 yrs agoRecreation1922
Au Train South LeveeAlger15Poor06/18/20251 yr agoHydroelectric1910
Allegan City DamAllegan14Poor08/18/20233 yrs agoRecreation1900

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