Fowle Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fowle Mill Dam, also known as Truitt Mill Pond, is a historic earth dam located in Hillsdale, Michigan, along the South Branch Kalamazoo River.


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Summary

Built in 1852, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering opportunities for activities such as fishing and boating. With a dam height of 9 feet and a length of 100 feet, it has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres.

Despite its age, Fowle Mill Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently designated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 12 feet, and it poses a moderate risk, according to risk assessment data. The dam is privately owned and not regulated by the state, with no recent inspection records available since the early 1900s.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fowle Mill Dam represents a piece of Michigan's historical infrastructure that continues to provide recreational opportunities while serving as a reminder of our past engineering achievements. The dam's location in the picturesque city of Moscow, surrounded by the natural beauty of the South Branch Kalamazoo River, makes it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of nature.

Year Completed

1852

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

South Branch Kalamazoo River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

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.