Taylor Dam

Portage River· Kalamazoo, Michigan· Built 1929· Earth· 13 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Taylor Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 39.7% in MI)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage84 acre-ft
Normal Storage67 acre-ft
Surface Area42 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge130 cfs
Year Completed1929 (97 years old)
NID IDMI00789

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: June 3, 1993
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Pavilion Land HLD

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Taylor Dam?

Taylor 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 Taylor Dam?

Taylor Dam is owned by Pavilion Land HLD (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Taylor Dam built?

Taylor Dam was completed in 1929, making it 97 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 Taylor Dam?

Taylor 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 Taylor Dam?

Taylor Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Taylor Dam last inspected?

Taylor Dam was last inspected on June 3, 1993. 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.