Otsego Dam
Key Takeaway
Otsego Dam is classified as high hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1904 and is 122 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 | 21 ft (taller than 74.1% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 570 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 425 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 67 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,474 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1904 (122 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00619 |
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
MDNR Wildlife
State Government
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High Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Otsego Dam?
Otsego 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 Otsego Dam?
Otsego Dam is owned by MDNR Wildlife (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Otsego Dam built?
Otsego Dam was completed in 1904, making it 122 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 Otsego Dam?
Otsego 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 Otsego Dam?
Otsego Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Otsego Dam last inspected?
Otsego Dam was last inspected on November 12, 2014. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.