South Gaede Marsh Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Gaede Marsh Dam, located in Tuscola, Michigan, serves as a crucial fish and wildlife pond with a primary purpose of enhancing the local ecosystem.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 7 feet, with a hydraulic height of 4.9 feet, and a length of 9300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 474 acre-feet. Despite having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is situated near a tributary to Lake Huron, making it a vital component of the region's water resource management.

Managed by the state of Michigan, South Gaede Marsh Dam plays a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance in the area. With a controlled spillway type and a surface area of 128 acres, the dam contributes to the conservation efforts and water quality control in the region. The dam's last inspection in December 2014 deemed it to be in fair condition, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term effectiveness.

Although South Gaede Marsh Dam has a very high risk assessment rating due to its proximity to Lake Huron, the dam's low hazard potential and fair condition provide some reassurance. As a critical component of the local water management infrastructure, the dam's role in enhancing the fish and wildlife habitat, as well as its contribution to the overall ecosystem, underscores its importance in the region's climate and water resource conservation efforts. With proper oversight and maintenance, the dam will continue to play a vital role in sustaining the environmental balance in the area.

Dam Length

9300

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

Tributary to Lake Huron

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

128

Hydraulic Height

4.9

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

474

Structural Height

7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

7
       
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.