Schweitzer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Schweitzer Dam, located in Gwinn, Michigan, is a significant structure that plays a crucial role in water supply.


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Summary

Built in 1962, this concrete dam stands at a height of 54 feet with a length of 570 feet, containing a storage capacity of 9,000 acre-feet. The dam controls the flow of Schweitzer Creek and has a maximum discharge capacity of 11,700 cubic feet per second.

Managed by a private owner, Schweitzer Dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards. The dam's condition was assessed as satisfactory during its last inspection in November 2017, with a significant hazard potential due to its location and design. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of providing water supply to the surrounding area.

With a spillway width of 112 feet and a surface area of 255 acres, Schweitzer Dam remains a vital infrastructure for the community. While it faces some risks, the dam's operations are overseen by the Mine Safety and Health Administration to ensure its safety and reliability. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Schweitzer Dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective dam management and maintenance in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

570

Dam Height

54

River Or Stream

Schweitzer Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

255

Hydraulic Height

54

Drainage Area

25

Nid Storage

9000

Structural Height

54

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

54
       
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.