Albion Dam
Albion Dam is a gravity dam located in Calhoun County, Michigan, built in 1856. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Albion Dam
The primary purpose of Albion Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by City Of Albion (local government). It impounds the South Branch Kalamazoo River near Albion.
The dam stands 11 feet tall and stretches 150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 42 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 941 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 152 square miles. Completed in 1856, 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/08/2017.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Calhoun |
| Nearest City | Albion |
| River/Stream | South Branch Kalamazoo River |
| Coordinates | 42.23913, -84.74937 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Year Completed | 1856 (170 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 941 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 941 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 600 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 152 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 530 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | City of Albion |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 11/08/2017 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00495 |
| Federal ID | MI00495 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |