Trowbridge Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Otsego Dam Pine Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Trowbridge Dam, located in Allegan, Michigan, along the Kalamazoo River, was completed in 1899 and stands at a height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 30.2 feet.
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Summary
The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. With a normal storage capacity of 590 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 660 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 59 acres and has a drainage area of 1522 square miles.
The dam has a spillway width of 80 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 3900 cubic feet per second. Classified as a gravity dam, Trowbridge Dam has a high hazard potential and was assessed to be in fair condition as of June 2019. Despite the moderate risk associated with the dam, regular inspections are conducted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in March 2012, outlining necessary protocols in case of a potential breach or flooding event. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and recreational value that Trowbridge Dam provides to the local community and the surrounding ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1899 |
Dam Length |
440 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
Kalamazoo River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
59 |
Hydraulic Height |
30.2 |
Drainage Area |
1522 |
Nid Storage |
660 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Trowbridge Dam