Hartenstene Dam, also known as Ellis Brothers Dam, is a private dam located in Mottville, Michigan, along the Mill Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1912, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches 300 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 950 acre-feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 69 acres for visitors to enjoy.
Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Hartenstene Dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in October 2016. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities to the local community and beyond. The controlled spillway, with a width of 13 feet, helps regulate the flow of water and ensures the safety of the surrounding area.
With Fred Upton as the representative for the area, the dam remains a vital part of the local landscape, offering both recreational benefits and a source of hydraulic control for the Mill Creek watershed. As climate and water resource enthusiasts, the conservation and maintenance of structures like Hartenstene Dam are crucial in ensuring the sustainability of our water systems and the protection of our natural environment.
Year Completed |
1912 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
Mill Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
69 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
44 |
Nid Storage |
950 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
St. Joseph River At Mottville
|
759cfs |
Pigeon River Near Scott
|
132cfs |
St. Joseph River At Three Rivers
|
487cfs |
St. Joseph River At Elkhart
|
1460cfs |
Elkhart River At Goshen
|
170cfs |
Prairie River Near Nottawa
|
44cfs |