Newburgh Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Newburgh Dam, located on the M Br River Rouge in Livonia, Wayne County, Michigan, serves as a vital structure for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1933, this gravity dam stands at a height of 29 feet and stretches 1000 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 1250 acre-feet, the dam helps regulate water flow and maintain a surface area of 114 acres, benefitting the surrounding environment and community.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), the Newburgh Dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being categorized as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 was deemed satisfactory. The risk assessment for the dam is classified as very high, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to mitigate potential threats and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

With its controlled spillway and history of serving the local community for nearly a century, the Newburgh Dam stands as a key landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As efforts continue to maintain and manage this essential structure, its role in providing recreational opportunities and supporting ecological balance remains paramount in the region.

Year Completed

1933

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

M Br River Rouge

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

114

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

60.84

Nid Storage

1250

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

29
       
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.