Bills Dam
Key Takeaway
Bills Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 14 ft (taller than 44.8% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 25 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 930 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00318 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Esther Bills
Private
Nearby Dams
Mio
Oscoda, MI
High Hazard 38 ftBlamer Dam
Oscoda, MI
Low Hazard 15 ftDavis Dam
Oscoda, MI
Low Hazard 17 ftOkie Kauffman Dam
Oscoda, MI
Low Hazard 20 ftPankey Dam
Oscoda, MI
Low Hazard 10 ftPerry Lake Dam
Oscoda, MI
Low Hazard 9 ftGlen Lake Dam
Oscoda, MI
Low Hazard 15 ftWoodland Dam
Oscoda, MI
Low Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bills Dam?
Bills 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 Bills Dam?
Bills Dam is owned by Esther Bills (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bills Dam built?
Bills Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Bills Dam?
Bills Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bills Dam?
Bills 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 Bills Dam last inspected?
Bills Dam was last inspected on January 1, 1901. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.