Rodman Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rodman Dam, located in Tawas City, Michigan, on Silver Creek, serves primarily for recreation purposes and stands as a significant structure in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1957, this gravity dam measures 19 feet in height and 75 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The dam boasts a controlled spillway with a width of 15 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1000 cubic feet per second.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2020, Rodman Dam is categorized with a significant hazard potential. The risk assessment for the dam is classified as "Very High (1)", indicating the importance of proper risk management measures. The dam is state-regulated by the Michigan DEGLE, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Visitors and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate Rodman Dam for its contribution to local recreation and its role in managing the flow of Silver Creek. While the dam's risk potential is a concern, its condition remains satisfactory, and ongoing inspections help to ensure its continued safety and functionality in the region.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

75

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

Silver Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

28

Nid Storage

75

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
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Area Campgrounds