Hamilton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hamilton Dam, located in the city of Hamilton, Michigan, is a gravity-type structure on the Rabbit River that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1900, the dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans 440 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 500 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 240 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 7,100 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as unsatisfactory in 2009. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) regulates the dam and conducts inspections every five years. The risk assessment for the dam is rated as moderate, indicating a moderate level of risk associated with its operation. Additionally, the dam is not owned or funded by any federal agencies, making it solely under the jurisdiction of local government authorities. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hamilton Dam provides a valuable case study in dam management and maintenance in the state of Michigan.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Rabbit River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

269

Nid Storage

500

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.