Cheboygan Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cheboygan is a privately-owned hydroelectric dam located on the Cheboygan River in Michigan, constructed in 1922.


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Summary

With a dam height of 21 feet and a hydraulic height of 13.5 feet, it provides a storage capacity of 83,000 acre-feet and a normal storage of 82,947 acre-feet. The dam has a spillway width of 94 feet and a maximum discharge of 7,640 cubic feet per second, making it a significant structure for water resource management in the region.

Despite its high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the condition assessment for Cheboygan dam is currently not available. The dam is inspected annually by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in December 2019, but details about its preparedness, adherence to guidelines, and risk management measures are not provided. With its historical significance and critical role in hydroelectric power generation, Cheboygan serves as a key point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Year Completed

1922

Dam Length

94

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Cheboygan River

Primary Dam Type

Timber Crib

Surface Area

17801

Hydraulic Height

13.5

Drainage Area

1515

Nid Storage

83000

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 6

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.