Nichwagh Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nichwagh Lake Dam, also known as Rushton Mill Pond Dam, is a private dam located in Livingston County, Michigan.


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Summary

Completed in 1830, this gravity dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and has a height of 16 feet and a hydraulic height of 14.7 feet. With a storage capacity of 1700 acre-feet and a normal storage of 250 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 130 acres and has a drainage area of 18.2 square miles.

Situated on a tributary to the Huron River, Nichwagh Lake Dam has a spillway width of 25 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 732 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in November 2018. While it is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the dam poses a moderate risk level and has not been associated with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Overall, Nichwagh Lake Dam stands as a historic structure that not only provides recreational opportunities but also plays a significant role in managing water resources in the area. Its impact on the local ecosystem and its potential risks underscore the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of the dam for both the community and the environment.

Year Completed

1830

Dam Length

205

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Tributary to Huron River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

130

Hydraulic Height

14.7

Drainage Area

18.2

Nid Storage

1700

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

16
       
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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.