Chesaning Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Chesaning Dam, located on the Shiawassee River in Chesaning, Michigan, was completed in 1863 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This local government-owned structure stands at 9 feet in height and spans 211 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Chesaning Dam poses a moderate risk due to its age and condition assessment being marked as 'Not Rated'. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type, with a spillway width matching its length. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in October 2008, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the risk management measures and emergency action plan status are not specified in the data, the dam remains a significant feature along the Shiawassee River, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to admire its historical and recreational value.

Year Completed

1863

Dam Length

211

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Shiawassee River

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

619

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.