Map of All 1,039 Michigan Dams
Michigan has 1,039 dams in the National Inventory of Dams — and 161 are classified as high hazard (15% of the state’s total), meaning failure would likely cause loss of life. 19 Michigan dams are both high-hazard and in poor or unsatisfactory condition.
Use the interactive Michigan dams map below to explore every dam in the state, color-coded by hazard level. Click any dam for its condition assessment, last inspection date, and Emergency Action Plan status. Or view the full US Dams interactive map to compare Michigan to every other state.
Hazard
Condition
Purpose
Michigan Dams by the Numbers
- 1,039 total dams in Michigan
- 161 high hazard — failure would likely cause loss of life
- 149 significant hazard
- 720 low hazard
- 95 in poor or unsatisfactory condition (76 poor, 19 unsatisfactory)
- 19 Michigan dams are both high-hazard AND in poor/unsatisfactory condition
Data source: US Army Corps of Engineers, National Inventory of Dams (NID).
The Tallest Dams in Michigan
The tallest dam in Michigan is Victoria at 210 feet, completed in 1930. The 10 tallest Michigan dams from the National Inventory of Dams:
| Dam | Height | Year | Primary Purpose | Condition | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 210 ft | 1930 | Hydroelectric | Satisfactory | Ontonagon |
| Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam | 163 ft | 1975 | Tailings | Satisfactory | Marquette |
| Forestville ( Dam 2 ) | 130 ft | 1912 | Hydroelectric | Satisfactory | Marquette |
| Gribben Tailings Basin Dam | 115 ft | 1977 | Tailings | Satisfactory | Marquette |
| Ludington | 110 ft | 1973 | Hydroelectric | Fair | Mason |
| Hardy | 106 ft | 1931 | Hydroelectric | Fair | Newaygo |
| Tilden Recirculation Basin | 100 ft | 1973 | Water Supply | Satisfactory | Marquette |
| Peavy Falls | 96 ft | 1943 | Hydroelectric | Satisfactory | Iron |
| Republic Mine Tailings Pond Dams | 91 ft | 1960 | Tailings | Not Rated | Marquette |
| Hodenpyl | 90 ft | 1925 | Hydroelectric | Fair | Wexford |
High-Hazard Michigan Dams in Poor Condition
The most concerning dams are those classified as high-hazard that also carry a Poor or Unsatisfactory condition rating — 19 dams in Michigan. Notable examples:
- Secord Dam (57 ft, Gladwin County) — Hydroelectric, Unsatisfactory condition
- Edenville Dam (57 ft, Gladwin County) — Recreation, Unsatisfactory condition
- Au Train (45 ft, Alger County) — Hydroelectric, Poor condition
- Sanford Dam (36 ft, Midland County) — Recreation, Unsatisfactory condition
- Smallwood Dam (36 ft, Gladwin County) — Recreation, Unsatisfactory condition
Filter the interactive US Dams map by hazard and condition to see all of them on one view.
Dam Safety in Michigan
Dam safety in Michigan is overseen by the state dam safety program, in coordination with federal regulators: the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation (for federal water projects), the Tennessee Valley Authority where applicable, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for licensed hydropower dams. Emergency Action Plans are typically required for high-hazard dams under state regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dams are in Michigan?
Michigan has 1,039 dams in the National Inventory of Dams tracked by the US Army Corps of Engineers: 161 high hazard, 149 significant hazard, and 720 low hazard.
What is the tallest dam in Michigan?
The tallest dam in Michigan is Victoria at 210 feet, completed in 1930. It is primarily a hydroelectric structure.
How many Michigan dams are in poor condition?
95 Michigan dams are currently rated as being in Poor or Unsatisfactory condition. Of those, 19 are also classified as high-hazard — meaning failure would likely cause loss of life.
