Beaverton Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Beaverton, a fascinating hydroelectric dam located in Gladwin, Michigan, stands as a marvel of engineering since its completion in 1919.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and climate impact in the region. The dam, primarily designed for hydroelectric purposes, boasts a gravity dam type with a height of 20 feet and a length of 220 feet, offering a storage capacity of 2390 acre-feet.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Beaverton dam regulates the flow of the Tobacco River and covers a drainage area of 487 square miles. Its controlled spillway and multiple outlet gates ensure efficient water management while minimizing the risk of flooding events. Although the dam's condition assessment is not currently available, its last inspection in September 2020 highlights ongoing efforts to maintain its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Beaverton dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region, exemplifying the intersection of technology, environmental stewardship, and community safety.
Year Completed |
1919 |
Dam Length |
220 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
Tobacco River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
320 |
Drainage Area |
487 |
Nid Storage |
2390 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 3, Tainter (radial) - 4 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Beaverton