Located in Oakland, Michigan, Oxbow Dam, also known as Oxbow Lake Dam, was completed in 1964 and serves a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
The earth and gravity dam stands at a height of 15 feet, with a length of 255 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 6,900 acre-feet and a surface area of 290 acres. The dam is situated on the Huron River and is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE).
Oxbow Dam has a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, with the last inspection conducted in August 2019. The dam's spillway is of the controlled type, with a width of 18 feet, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 458 cubic feet per second. Despite its risk assessment rating of "Very High (1)," the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not currently specified, indicating potential areas for improvement to enhance public safety and environmental protection in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Oxbow Dam offers a compelling case study in dam infrastructure management and the intersection of recreation, water storage, and environmental stewardship. As a privately owned structure on a federally regulated river system, the dam presents opportunities for collaboration between state and local agencies to ensure safe operation and maintenance practices while maximizing the benefits of its reservoir for recreational activities and ecological conservation efforts in the surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
255 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
Huron River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
290 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
25.7 |
Nid Storage |
6900 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
15 |
Huron River At Milford
|
73cfs |
Clinton River At Auburn Hills
|
123cfs |
Huron River Near New Hudson
|
105cfs |
Upper River Rouge At Farmington
|
8cfs |
River Rouge At Birmingham
|
13cfs |
River Rouge At Southfield
|
23cfs |