Cedar River Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Bellaire, Michigan, the Cedar River Dam is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1890, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans 1500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 475 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the Cedar River, is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.

With a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 270 cubic feet per second, the Cedar River Dam poses a high hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition. The dam's risk assessment indicates a very high risk level (1), prompting the need for vigilant monitoring and risk management measures. Despite its age, the Cedar River Dam continues to provide essential recreational opportunities for the community while emphasizing the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the face of potential hazards and risks.

Year Completed

1890

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

Cedar River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

27

Nid Storage

475

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
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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.