Horton Dam
Horton Dam is a gravity dam located in Jackson County, Michigan, built in 1850. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Horton Dam
The primary purpose of Horton Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Jackson Co. Parks & Rec. Commission (local government). It impounds the North Branch Kalamazoo River near Horton.
The dam stands 6 feet tall and stretches 700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 15 square miles. Completed in 1850, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/30/2020.
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Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Jackson |
| Nearest City | Horton |
| River/Stream | North Branch Kalamazoo River |
| Coordinates | 42.14989, -84.52223 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 6 ft |
| Dam Height | 6 ft |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1850 (176 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 426 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Jackson Co. Parks & Rec. Commission |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 10/30/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00124 |
| Federal ID | MI00124 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |