Tau Beta Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tau Beta Dam, located in Columbiaville, Michigan, along the Whipple Drain, serves as a recreational structure with a primary purpose of providing leisure activities for water enthusiasts.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Constructed in 1927, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and stretches 200 feet in length, offering a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1600 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, ensuring state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Managed by a private owner, Tau Beta Dam boasts a serene surface area of 10 acres within its drainage area of 8 square miles. With an uncontrolled spillway width of 50 feet, the dam provides a safe recreational environment for visitors seeking outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Although last inspected in 2006, the dam's moderate risk assessment rating of 3 underscores the importance of ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of this vital water resource in Lapeer County, Michigan.

In the heart of the Buffalo District, Tau Beta Dam continues to attract water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking a tranquil escape in the picturesque surroundings of Columbiaville. With its historical significance and recreational value, this earth dam stands as a testament to responsible water management practices and the harmonious coexistence of nature and human recreation. As climate change impacts our water resources, the preservation and maintenance of structures like Tau Beta Dam are crucial in safeguarding our environment for future generations of water and outdoor enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Whipple Drain

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.
View more

Area Campgrounds