Litchfield Dam

Saint Joseph River· Hillsdale, Michigan· Built 1846· Earth· 8 ft tall
Low Hazard Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

Litchfield Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1846 and is 180 years old. Its primary use is other.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 7.3% in MI)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage52 acre-ft
Normal Storage26 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area201 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1846 (180 years old)
NID IDMI01632

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: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Memorial Mile Club, Inc.

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Litchfield Dam?

Litchfield 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 Litchfield Dam?

Litchfield Dam is owned by Memorial Mile Club, Inc. (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Litchfield Dam built?

Litchfield Dam was completed in 1846, making it 180 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 Litchfield Dam?

Litchfield Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Litchfield Dam?

Litchfield Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Litchfield Dam last inspected?

Litchfield 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.