La Barge
La Barge is a gravity dam located in Kent County, Michigan, built in 1901. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About La Barge
The primary purpose of La Barge is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Thornapple River near Alaska.
The dam stands 32 feet tall and stretches 542 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 100 acres, has a storage capacity of 5,250 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 773 square miles. Completed in 1901, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 09/29/2025.
At 32 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Michigan dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Kent |
| Nearest City | Alaska |
| River/Stream | Thornapple River |
| Coordinates | 42.81099, -85.48384 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Length | 542 ft |
| Year Completed | 1901 (125 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,250 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 773 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 09/29/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00503 |
| Federal ID | MI00503 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |