Fawn River Mill Dam

Fawn River· St. Joseph, Michigan· Built 1830· Earth· 14 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Fawn River Mill Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1830 and is 196 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 44.8% in MI)
Dam Length625 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage200 acre-ft
Normal Storage55 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge2,350 cfs
Year Completed1830 (196 years old)
NID IDMI00366

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: January 1, 1901
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Judy Disney

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Fawn River Mill Dam?

Fawn River 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 Fawn River Mill Dam?

Fawn River Mill Dam is owned by Judy Disney (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Fawn River Mill Dam built?

Fawn River Mill 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 Fawn River Mill Dam?

Fawn River 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 Fawn River Mill Dam?

Fawn River 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 Fawn River Mill Dam last inspected?

Fawn River Mill Dam was last inspected on January 1, 1901. 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.