Blackhawk Dam

Coldwater River· Branch, Michigan· Built 1830· Earth· 17 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Blackhawk Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1830 and is 196 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 61.1% in MI)
Dam Length1,040 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage276 acre-ft
Normal Storage216 acre-ft
Surface Area200 acres
Drainage Area72 sq mi
Max Discharge1,370 cfs
Year Completed1830 (196 years old)
NID IDMI00020

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: October 25, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Branch County

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Blackhawk Dam?

Blackhawk 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 Blackhawk Dam?

Blackhawk Dam is owned by Branch County (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Blackhawk Dam built?

Blackhawk Dam was completed in 1830, making it 196 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 Blackhawk Dam?

Blackhawk 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 Blackhawk Dam?

Blackhawk Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Blackhawk Dam last inspected?

Blackhawk Dam was last inspected on October 25, 2016. 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.