Hamilton Dam, located in the city of Hamilton, Michigan, is a gravity-type structure on the Rabbit River that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Silver Creek Campground
|
||
Tri-ponds Family Camp Resort
|
||
Ely Lake Campground
|