Fallasburg Dam
Fallasburg Dam is a concrete dam located in Kent County, Michigan, built in 1903. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Fallasburg Dam
The primary purpose of Fallasburg Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Sts Hydropower Llc (private). It impounds the Flat River near Lowell.
The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 216 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 568 square miles. Completed in 1903, 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/29/2022.
At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 90% 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 | Lowell |
| River/Stream | Flat River |
| Coordinates | 42.96200, -85.33100 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1903 (123 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,380 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 216 acres |
| Drainage Area | 568 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 13,400 cfs |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | STS HydroPower LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/29/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00506 |
| Federal ID | MI00506 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |