Upper Mill Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lower Mill Dam Lagrange Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Upper Mill Dam, located in Dowagiac, Michigan, is a privately owned structure on Dowagiac Creek that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 14.3 feet and has a length of 400 feet, with a capacity of 1330 acre-feet. The dam has a spillway width of 45 feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1130 cubic feet per second, making it a significant water resource in the area.
Despite its age, Upper Mill Dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition, with a high hazard potential due to its location. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, with the last inspection conducted in September 2015. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's emergency action plan is up to date as of September 2020, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks associated with the structure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Upper Mill Dam provides a fascinating insight into the management and maintenance of dams for recreational and environmental purposes in the state of Michigan.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
14.3 |
River Or Stream |
Dowagiac Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
125 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
52.1 |
Nid Storage |
1330 |
Structural Height |
14.3 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dowagiac River At Sumnerville
|
281cfs |
St. Joseph River At Niles
|
2560cfs |
Juday Creek Near South Bend
|
12cfs |
Paw Paw River At Riverside
|
373cfs |
St. Joseph River At Elkhart
|
1660cfs |
St. Joseph River At Mottville
|
884cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Upper Mill Dam