Rowe Dam No 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rowe Dam No 1, located in Newaygo, Michigan, is a gravity dam built in 1888 with a primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 13 feet and a length of 250 feet, it impounds Penoyer Creek and has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. The dam, regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), has a controlled spillway with a width of 10 feet and a maximum discharge of 400 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential and current condition assessment as not rated, Rowe Dam No 1 poses a very high risk according to the risk assessment. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in 1993 with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, and the risk management measures and inundation maps have not been prepared. With its historical significance and potential for recreational use, stakeholders and water resource enthusiasts may find Rowe Dam No 1 an interesting site to monitor for future developments and improvements.

Year Completed

1888

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Penoyer Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

18

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.