Chappel Dam

The Chappel Dam is located on the Cedar River in Gladwin County. Chappel Dam is a retired hydroelectric dam constructed approximately 100 years ago. Over the past 30 years, dam inspections have indicated substantial problems with the dam, including the need for metal repairs to the Tainter gate, a new hoist for the gate, leaking stop logs, deteriorating concrete, and significant seepage of the earth embankment.  The Gladwin County Drain Commissioner asked Spicer Group to assist in repairs to the existing dam and extending the current dam’s design life.

A phased approach was designed to make repairs to the Chappel Dam. In 2002, riprap was installed along the earthen embankment to reduce wave erosion. In 2004, a new legal lake level was established along with a new special assessment district. In 2009 and 2010, significant improvements to the dam were completed. This included reconstructing the northern retaining wall, making the earth embankment wider and installing a stone drainage blanket, metal repairs to the Tainter gate, pouring new concrete walls in the powerhouse to install new sluice gates, and making structural repairs to the main columns of the 60-foot-tall powerhouse.