Fawn River Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Fawn River, Michigan, the Fawn River Mill Dam stands as a historic structure completed in 1830 with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam measures 14 feet in height and 625 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The dam serves the Fawn River, with a controlled spillway width of 24 feet and a maximum discharge of 2350 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, the Fawn River Mill Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating. The dam's condition is currently not rated, and it has not undergone recent inspections. The dam does not fall under state jurisdiction or regulation, and it is privately owned. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the Fawn River Mill Dam to be a fascinating piece of infrastructure with a rich history and potential for further exploration into its impact on the surrounding ecosystem and hydrology.

Year Completed

1830

Dam Length

625

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Fawn River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.