Niobe Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Niobe Dam, located in Drydon, Michigan, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 135 feet, with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. It is situated on a tributary to Belle River, within the Buffalo District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Niobe Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 9 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 65 cubic feet per second. While it has not been rated for its condition, the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk associated with the structure.

Although Niobe Dam has not undergone recent inspections or condition assessments, its moderate risk level suggests the need for regular monitoring and potential risk management measures. As a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and regulating infrastructure to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

135

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Tibutary to Belle River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.