Gribben Tailings Basin Dam

Trib to Goose Lake Outlet· Marquette, Michigan· Built 1977· Earth· 115 ft tall
Significant Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Gribben Tailings Basin Dam is classified as significant hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is tailings. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 115 ft (taller than 99.7% in MI)
Dam Length22,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage15.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage19.9K acre-ft
Surface Area1,198 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge23 cfs
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)
NID IDMI00113

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 9, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Tilden Mining Company LC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gribben Tailings Basin Dam?

Gribben Tailings Basin Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Gribben Tailings Basin Dam?

Gribben Tailings Basin Dam is owned by Tilden Mining Company LC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gribben Tailings Basin Dam built?

Gribben Tailings Basin Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Gribben Tailings Basin Dam?

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

How tall is Gribben Tailings Basin Dam?

Gribben Tailings Basin Dam has a dam height of 115 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 Gribben Tailings Basin Dam last inspected?

Gribben Tailings Basin Dam was last inspected on December 9, 2016. 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.