Gerhard Dam

Tributary to Mitchell Creek· Grand Traverse, Michigan· Built 1960· Earth· 25 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Gerhard Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 83.2% in MI)
Dam Length505 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage86 acre-ft
Normal Storage44 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDMI01615

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 21, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Philip and Donna Gerhard

Private

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Union Street Dam

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General Growth Dam

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Brown Bridge Dam

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Mayfield Electric Light Plant Dam

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Cedar Lake Dam

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Meeuwenberg Dam

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Bissell Pond Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gerhard Dam?

Gerhard Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Gerhard Dam?

Gerhard Dam is owned by Philip and Donna Gerhard (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gerhard Dam built?

Gerhard Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Gerhard Dam?

Gerhard Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Gerhard Dam?

Gerhard Dam has a dam height of 25 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Gerhard Dam last inspected?

Gerhard Dam was last inspected on September 21, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.