Dawson Millpond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dawson Millpond Dam, also known as Price Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Pontiac, Michigan, along the Clinton River.


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Summary

Built in 1915, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. With a height of 9 feet and a length of 240 feet, the dam provides storage capacity of 3,447 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 567 acres.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2019, Dawson Millpond Dam poses a high hazard potential, indicating the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 26 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 919 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for the dam is rated as very high, emphasizing the importance of implementing effective risk management measures to mitigate potential threats to the surrounding area.

In the event of an emergency, it is crucial for authorities to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place to guide response efforts. While details regarding the EAP for Dawson Millpond Dam are not specified in the data, the dam's high hazard potential and risk assessment underscore the necessity of proper emergency preparedness to safeguard the community and environment from potential risks associated with the structure.

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Clinton River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

567

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

109

Nid Storage

3447

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

9
       
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.