Pittsford Mill Dam

East Branch St Joseph River· Hillsdale, Michigan· Built 1872· Earth· 14 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Pittsford Mill Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1872 and is 154 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 44.8% in MI)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage75 acre-ft
Normal Storage45 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,400 cfs
Year Completed1872 (154 years old)
NID IDMI00085

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: December 7, 1988
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Jay J. Smith

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pittsford Mill Dam?

Pittsford 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 Pittsford Mill Dam?

Pittsford Mill Dam is owned by Jay J. Smith (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pittsford Mill Dam built?

Pittsford Mill Dam was completed in 1872, making it 154 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 Pittsford Mill Dam?

Pittsford 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 Pittsford Mill Dam?

Pittsford 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 Pittsford Mill Dam last inspected?

Pittsford Mill Dam was last inspected on December 7, 1988. 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.