Oxbow Dam
Key Takeaway
Oxbow Dam is classified as high hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 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 | 15 ft (taller than 50.6% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 255 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 290 acres |
| Drainage Area | 26 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 458 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00263 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Oakland County Drain Commissioner
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Oxbow Dam?
Oxbow 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 Oxbow Dam?
Oxbow Dam is owned by Oakland County Drain Commissioner (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Oxbow Dam built?
Oxbow Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Oxbow Dam?
Oxbow 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 Oxbow Dam?
Oxbow Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Oxbow Dam last inspected?
Oxbow Dam was last inspected on August 30, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.