Howlandsburg Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Howlandsburg, Michigan, the Howlandsburg Dam, also known as the Mill Pond Dam, stands as a historic structure completed in 1837 along the Gull Creek.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene and picturesque setting with a surface area of 29 acres and a normal storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. However, with a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment, the dam requires regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

Despite its age, the Howlandsburg Dam continues to be regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 19 feet and a hydraulic height of 16.2 feet. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam poses moderate risk (3) to the area, prompting the need for risk management measures to be in place. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the preservation and maintenance of this historic dam are crucial to ensuring the safety of the community and the longevity of the recreational opportunities it provides.

Year Completed

1837

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Gull Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29

Hydraulic Height

16.2

Drainage Area

21.7

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.