Bellevue Mill Dam

Battle Creek· Eaton, Michigan· Built 1854· Earth· 14 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bellevue Mill Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1854 and is 172 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 44.8% in MI)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage252 acre-ft
Normal Storage82 acre-ft
Surface Area33 acres
Drainage Area176 sq mi
Max Discharge1,300 cfs
Year Completed1854 (172 years old)
NID IDMI00049

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 28, 2018
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Michiana Hydro-Electric Power Corporation

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bellevue Mill Dam?

Bellevue Mill Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bellevue Mill Dam?

Bellevue Mill Dam is owned by Michiana Hydro-Electric Power Corporation (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bellevue Mill Dam built?

Bellevue Mill Dam was completed in 1854, making it 172 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Bellevue Mill Dam?

Bellevue Mill Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bellevue Mill Dam?

Bellevue Mill Dam has a dam height of 14 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Bellevue Mill Dam last inspected?

Bellevue Mill Dam was last inspected on June 28, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.