Republic Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Republic Dam, located in Marquette, Michigan, on the Michigamme River, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering with its gravity design completed in 1913.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 145 acres for water enthusiasts to explore. However, recent inspections have revealed that the dam is in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential, highlighting the need for immediate attention to ensure public safety and the preservation of this historic structure.

With a height of 22 feet and a length of 400 feet, Republic Dam boasts a storage capacity of 1,650 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 3,700 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam continues to be regulated and inspected by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, demonstrating the commitment to maintaining the integrity of this vital water resource. The presence of a controlled spillway with a width of 87 feet adds an additional layer of safety to the dam's operations.

As climate change intensifies, the risk assessment for Republic Dam has been classified as very high, emphasizing the urgency for implementing effective risk management measures. The dam's location in Floodwood, Michigan, underscores the importance of protecting water resources in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. With its historical significance and recreational value, Republic Dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between water management, climate resilience, and public safety in the 21st century.

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

Michigamme River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

145

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

240

Nid Storage

1650

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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.