Cambria Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cambria Mill Pond Dam, located in Cambria, Michigan, was completed in 1890 and serves as a recreational site along the East Fork West Branch St Joseph River.
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Summary
This private dam, with a height of 26.2 feet and a hydraulic height of 20.9 feet, has a primary purpose of recreation and offers a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 34 feet and a maximum discharge of 2500 cubic feet per second, the dam's hazard potential is classified as low, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2019.
Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (MICHIGAN DEGLE), the Cambria Mill Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, and it is not owned or funded by any federal agency. Despite its age, the dam has been maintained satisfactorily, with regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The surrounding area boasts a surface area of 38 acres and a drainage area of 26.6 square miles, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Overall, Cambria Mill Pond Dam stands as a historic landmark in Hillsdale County, Michigan, offering both recreational opportunities and natural beauty to visitors. With its earth and gravity dam types, the structure provides a serene backdrop for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. While it poses a moderate level of risk, the dam's low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment demonstrate the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and environmental preservation in the area.
Year Completed |
1890 |
Dam Length |
270 |
Dam Height |
26.2 |
River Or Stream |
E Fork W Br St Joseph River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
38 |
Hydraulic Height |
20.9 |
Drainage Area |
26.6 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Structural Height |
26.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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Cambria Mill Pond Dam
Cole Road Allen Township