Rockford Dam

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Rockford Dam, located in Kent County, Michigan, along the Rogue River, was completed in 1888 and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a gravity-type design and a height of 19 feet, the dam offers a structural height of 19 feet as well as a hydraulic height of 18.9 feet. It has a capacity of 180 acre-feet of water storage, with a normal storage level of 110 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 6,100 cubic feet per second. The dam also features a controlled spillway with a width of 182 feet, ensuring efficient water flow management.

Maintained by the local government and regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Rockford Dam poses a significant hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition as of October 2020. Despite the risk, the dam has a very high risk assessment rating of 1, indicating the importance of monitoring and managing its operations closely. With a history dating back over a century, Rockford Dam remains a key landmark in the region, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in its engineering and environmental impact on the surrounding area.

For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Rockford Dam offers a fascinating case study in balancing recreational benefits with safety and regulatory compliance. With a rich history and ongoing inspection and enforcement measures in place, the dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that infrastructure plays in shaping our interaction with water resources. As efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts continue to evolve, understanding the complexities of dams like Rockford becomes increasingly important for ensuring the sustainability of our water systems.