Bryant Mill Dam

Portage Creek· Kalamazoo, Michigan· Built 1946· Earth· 17 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Bryant Mill Dam is classified as high hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1946 and is 80 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 61.1% in MI)
Dam Length480 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage180 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area27 sq mi
Max Discharge797 cfs
Year Completed1946 (80 years old)
NID IDMI00135

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 3, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Lyondell Environmental

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bryant Mill Dam?

Bryant Mill Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bryant Mill Dam?

Bryant Mill Dam is owned by Lyondell Environmental (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bryant Mill Dam built?

Bryant Mill Dam was completed in 1946, making it 80 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 Bryant Mill Dam?

Bryant Mill 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 Bryant Mill Dam?

Bryant Mill 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 Bryant Mill Dam last inspected?

Bryant Mill Dam was last inspected on August 3, 2015. 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.