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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Fort Custer State Rec Area
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Improved Campground
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Cold Brook County Park
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Markin Glen County Park
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Camp Merrie Wood
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