On February, 13, 2001, the Shiawassee River near Shiatown Dam rose to 7 feet 8 inches. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch, and at 9
p.m. the river was 2.5 inches from the top of the dam.
Feb. 2001 reports in Owosso showed the Shiawassee River at Owosso exceeded flood stage of 7 feet at 2 pm on the 9th. The river crested at 8.2 feet at 10 pm on the 10th. After briefly falling below flood stage, the river saw a secondary flood crest of 7.3 feet at 1 am on the 14th.
Anything clogging the spillways will reduce the dam’s capability to handle a flood event and put the structure out of compliance with safety standards. The current logjam demands attention from the owner because it is out of compliance in 2011.
The area surrounding the dam is sparsely populated. Currently the reservoir pond behind the dam covers less than 50 acres, a massive reduction from the 1960's when it once covered 120 acres. Shrinkage of the reservoir pond once the Shiatown Dam is removed is insignificant to the community.
The Michigan Land Bank owns the dam. Shiawassee County Parks and Recreation Commission operates the 35 acres around the dam as Shiatown Park, East and West.
The dam is dangerous for children to climb upon or gain access to. Removal of the dam would enhance the surrounding by eliminating a manmade hazard.
Click on the illustration below for a larger view of the park :
