Bissell Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bissell Pond Dam, also known as Millbrook Dam, is a private dam located in Williamsburg, Michigan, along the Williamsburg Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1852, this earth and gravity dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 120 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, offering a serene surface area of 10 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Bissell Pond Dam poses a significant hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating of 1. However, inspections as recent as November 2018 have deemed its condition as satisfactory. The dam is regulated and permitted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to maintain safety standards.

With its picturesque location and rich history, Bissell Pond Dam serves as a vital water resource for the community while also highlighting the importance of proper risk management in ensuring the safety and sustainability of such structures in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1852

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Williamsburg Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

3.9

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.