Williams Mill Dam, located in Otsego, Michigan, on Mill Creek, is a historic earth dam completed in 1870 for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at 17 feet in height and spans 200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in an unrated condition assessment.
The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 8 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 760 cubic feet per second. Although it has not been inspected since 1901, the dam is said to pose a very high risk due to its age and lack of modern assessments. It is situated within the Chicago District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, with no federal funding or agency involvement in its design, construction, or maintenance.
As an enthusiast of water resources and climate, Williams Mill Dam serves as a fascinating example of early dam engineering for recreational purposes in Michigan. Its historical significance, low hazard potential, and current risk assessment challenges make it an intriguing case study for understanding the evolution of dam safety practices and the need for proactive risk management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1870 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
Mill Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Brookside City Park
|
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Markin Glen County Park
|
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Camp Merrie Wood
|