Harris Dam

Chippewa River· Isabella, Michigan· Built 1870· Earth· 16 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Harris Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1870 and is 156 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 55.7% in MI)
Dam Length490 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage150 acre-ft
Normal Storage100 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area391 sq mi
Max Discharge13,500 cfs
Year Completed1870 (156 years old)
NID IDMI00119

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

Richard Wood

Private

Nearby Dams

Mission Creek Dam

Isabella, MI

Low Hazard 12 ft

Peas Lake Dam

Isabella, MI

Low Hazard 18 ft

Schafer Dam

Isabella, MI

Low Hazard 10 ft

Lake Camelot Dam

Isabella, MI

Low Hazard 19 ft

Weidman Mill Pond Dam

Isabella, MI

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Weidman Development Dam

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Significant Hazard 14 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Harris Dam?

Harris 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 Harris Dam?

Harris Dam is owned by Richard Wood (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Harris Dam built?

Harris Dam was completed in 1870, making it 156 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 Harris Dam?

Harris 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 Harris Dam?

Harris Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Harris Dam last inspected?

Harris 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.