Monroe Street Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Monroe Street Dam, also known as Lower Mill Dam, located in Battle Creek, Michigan, is a significant earth dam on the Kalamazoo River with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1894, this dam stands at a height of 18.3 feet and has a hydraulic height of 17.3 feet, providing a storage capacity of 270 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 192 feet, the dam has the capacity to discharge up to 4660 cubic feet per second in case of excess water levels.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Michigan DEGLE, the Monroe Street Dam has been inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition has been assessed as satisfactory. With a drainage area of 538 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and supporting recreational activities in the area. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find the Monroe Street Dam an intriguing structure to study in the context of water management and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1894

Dam Length

342

Dam Height

18.3

River Or Stream

Kalamazoo River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

17.3

Drainage Area

538

Nid Storage

270

Structural Height

18.3

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.