Plainwell Dam Number 2
Plainwell Dam Number 2 is an earth dam located in Allegan County, Michigan, built in 1856. It carries a Low hazard potential classification.
About Plainwell Dam Number 2
The primary purpose of Plainwell Dam Number 2 is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Plainwell Paper Company (private). It impounds the Kalamazoo River near Plainwell.
The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 2,520 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 250 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,299 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 low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. The most recent inspection on record was 05/23/1979. That was over 46 years ago.
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Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Allegan |
| Nearest City | Plainwell |
| River/Stream | Kalamazoo River |
| Coordinates | 42.43000, -85.63167 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,520 ft |
| Year Completed | 1856 (170 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 250 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 1,299 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,613 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Plainwell Paper Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 05/23/1979 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00490 |
| Federal ID | MI00490 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |