Otsego Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Otsego Dam, located on the Kalamazoo River in Allegan, Michigan, was completed in 1904 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This gravity dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 570 feet, with a storage capacity of 1530 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 200 feet, the dam has a maximum discharge of 3800 cubic feet per second, making it a vital structure for managing water flow in the area.

Managed by the Michigan DEGLE, the Otsego Dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the state, ensuring its safety and functionality. Despite being assessed as in fair condition back in 2014, the dam has a high hazard potential, warranting regular inspections and risk assessments. With a moderate risk level assigned, the dam's emergency action plan is crucial for preparedness in case of any unforeseen events, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring this essential water resource infrastructure for the community and environment.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

570

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Kalamazoo River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

67

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

1474

Nid Storage

1530

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.