Bowen Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bowen Mill Dam, located in Hooper, Michigan, on the Gun River, is a privately owned recreational dam that was completed in 1924.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at 16 feet in height and 100 feet in length, the dam serves multiple purposes including recreation, water supply, and other uses. With a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a surface area of 187 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by the Michigan DEGLE, Bowen Mill Dam is regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a low hazard potential and has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in December 2016. Despite being a low-hazard dam, the risk assessment for Bowen Mill Dam is marked as very high, indicating the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks associated with the structure.

Overall, Bowen Mill Dam is a key component of the water management infrastructure in Barry County, Michigan. Its historical significance and multiple uses make it a valuable resource for the community, while its regulatory oversight and inspections ensure that it remains safe and functional for years to come. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bowen Mill Dam represents a fascinating intersection of history, engineering, and environmental stewardship in the Great Lakes region.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Gun River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

187

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

600

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.