Chappel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chappel Dam, located in Gladwin, Michigan, along the Cedar River, was completed in 1910 and serves primarily as a recreational site.


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Summary

With a dam height of 32 feet and a length of 870 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 4650 acre-feet and covers an area of 435 acres. The dam is state-regulated by the MICHIGAN DEGLE and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite its age, Chappel Dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition, with a high hazard potential due to its location and the volume of water it can hold. Emergency action plans are in place, although the last revision was in March 2020. The risk assessment for the dam is rated as very high, indicating the need for robust risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats to the dam's stability and surrounding areas. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Chappel Dam to be a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering and the ongoing challenges of managing water resources in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

870

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

Cedar River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

435

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

123

Nid Storage

4650

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

32
       
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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.