Cascade
Cascade is a multi-arch dam located in Kent County, Michigan, built in 1927. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cascade
The primary purpose of Cascade 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 Cascade Charter Township (local government). It impounds the Thornapple River near Ada.
The dam stands 41 feet tall and stretches 550 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 280 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 814 square miles. Completed in 1927, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 41 feet, this dam is taller than 88% 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 | Ada |
| River/Stream | Thornapple River |
| Coordinates | 42.90950, -85.49900 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Multi-Arch |
| NID Height | 41 ft |
| Dam Height | 41 ft |
| Dam Length | 550 ft |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 280 acres |
| Drainage Area | 814 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 23,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Cascade Charter Township |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/29/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00502 |
| Federal ID | MI00502 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |