Okie Kauffman Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.