Ada is a multi-arch dam located in Kent County, Michigan, built in 1926. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 32 ft32 ft tall and 615 ft long, taller than 74% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic arch section and the water level is illustrative.
About Ada
The primary purpose of Ada 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 Thornapple Association Inc (private). It impounds the Thornapple River near Ada.
The dam stands 32 feet tall and stretches 615 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 230 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 824 square miles. Completed in 1926, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years 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. 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 09/11/2018.
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Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Kent |
| Nearest City | Ada |
| River/Stream | Thornapple River |
| Coordinates | 42.90937, -85.49870 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Multi-Arch |
| NID Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Length | 615 ft |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 230 acres |
| Drainage Area | 824 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 13,800 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Thornapple Association Inc |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/11/2018 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00501 |
| Federal ID | MI00501 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |