Belding
Belding is a gravity dam located in Ionia County, Michigan, built in 1906. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Belding
The primary purpose of Belding 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 Grenfell Hydroelectric Associates, Inc. (private). It impounds the Flat River near Lowell.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 296 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 110 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 490 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 493 square miles. Completed in 1906, the structure is over a century old.
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. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 09/27/2018.
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Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Ionia |
| Nearest City | Lowell |
| River/Stream | Flat River |
| Coordinates | 43.10030, -85.23470 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 296 ft |
| Year Completed | 1906 (120 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 490 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 490 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 490 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 110 acres |
| Drainage Area | 493 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Grenfell Hydroelectric Associates, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/27/2018 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00498 |
| Federal ID | MI00498 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |