Chappel Dam Improvements

The Chappel Dam is located on the Cedar River in Gladwin County and is a retired hydroelectric dam that was 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, leaking stop logs, deteriorating concrete, and significant seepage of the earth embankment. The Wiggins Lake Authority asked Spicer Group to assist in repairs to the existing dam and extending the current dam’s design life. 

In 2021, significant structural steel and concrete improvements to the dam were completed; this included a new concrete overlay for the spillway, patches to the concrete energy dissipater platforms, repairs to concrete retaining walls and spillway chute walls and the replacement of a concrete spillway wall. Design drawings, specifications and a cost estimate were created for this project. Spicer Group also assisted with the construction administration and construction inspection for the completion of the project.