Nichwagh Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Nichwagh Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1830 and is 196 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 16 ft (taller than 55.7% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 205 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 250 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 130 acres |
| Drainage Area | 18 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 732 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1830 (196 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00598 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Livingston County Drain Commissione
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Nichwagh Lake Dam?
Nichwagh Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Nichwagh Lake Dam?
Nichwagh Lake Dam is owned by Livingston County Drain Commissione (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Nichwagh Lake Dam built?
Nichwagh Lake Dam was completed in 1830, making it 196 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 Nichwagh Lake Dam?
Nichwagh Lake 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 Nichwagh Lake Dam?
Nichwagh Lake Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Nichwagh Lake Dam last inspected?
Nichwagh Lake Dam was last inspected on November 1, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.