The Monarch Paper Mill Dam, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a crucial water supply structure on Portage Creek, completed in 1916 with a primary purpose of water supply.
Wind
Humidity
This private-owned Earth dam stands at 20 feet high and 125 feet long, with a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a normal storage of 81 acre-feet. The dam has a controlled spillway type with a width of 25 feet and a maximum discharge of 3600 cubic feet per second.
Despite its fair condition assessment in 2013, the Monarch Paper Mill Dam poses a low hazard potential, but its risk assessment remains very high. The dam is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam is situated in a picturesque location, offering a surface area of 16.7 acres and serving as a vital component of the local water infrastructure.
With its rich history dating back over a century, the Monarch Paper Mill Dam stands as a testament to early water resource management in Michigan. As climate change continues to impact water resources, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water supplies in the region.
Year Completed |
1916 |
Dam Length |
125 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
Portage Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
20.8 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Markin Glen County Park
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Camp Rota-Kiwan
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Improved Campground
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Cold Brook County Park
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