Russell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Russell Dam, located in Gladwin, Michigan, is a private-owned structure built in 1950 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, standing at 17 feet high and 325 feet long, creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a surface area of 4 acres. The dam is situated on a tributary to Sugar River and is under the jurisdiction of the Detroit District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Russell Dam has not been rated for its condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 2 feet and has not been modified since its completion. The last inspection was recorded in 1901, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam have not been reported.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Russell Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam designed for recreational purposes. While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, the lack of recent inspections and emergency preparedness raises concerns about its safety and resilience. Further monitoring and assessment of Russell Dam's condition and risk management strategies may be needed to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

325

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

Tributary to Sugar River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.