Okie Kauffman Dam, located in Mio, Michigan, is a privately-owned earth dam that was completed in 1975 for the primary purpose of recreation along Guslers Creek.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 248 feet, providing a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet of water. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition as of the last inspection in June 2020.
Managed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Okie Kauffman Dam is subject to regular state inspections, permits, and enforcement measures to ensure its safety. With a moderate risk rating of 3, there is a need for improved risk management measures to address the dam's poor condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 170 cubic feet per second.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Okie Kauffman Dam can appreciate its significance as a recreational structure in Oscoda County, Michigan. However, concerns over its poor condition and moderate risk rating highlight the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management efforts to ensure the safety and stability of the dam for both recreational users and the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
248 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
Guslers Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1.4 |
Nid Storage |
82 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |