Black River Dam dam
Black River Dam
The Black River Dam, also known as Hamlin Dam, is a privately owned structure in Allegan, Michigan, with a primary purpose of irrigation. Built in 1967 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 18 feet tall and stretches across 550 feet, providing storage of up to 54 acre-feet of water for agricultural use. Situated on a tributary to the North Fork Black River, its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a key asset for water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Black River Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 49 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 280 cubic feet per second. Despite not having a current condition assessment, the dam's location in Hawks Head and its critical role in irrigation highlight its importance for sustainable water resource management in the area.
With its strategic position in the region's water infrastructure, the Black River Dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities and maintaining water supply stability. As a key element in the local water management system, it embodies the intersection of climate resilience and resource sustainability, making it a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to understand the dynamics of water infrastructure in Michigan.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Black River Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Branch Black River Near Bangor | 69 cfs | → |
| Kalamazoo River Near New Richmond | 4,480 cfs | → |
| Kalamazoo River At New Richmond | 2,130 cfs | → |
| Macatawa River At State Road Near Zeeland | 21 cfs | → |
| Paw Paw River At Riverside | 460 cfs | → |
| Rabbit River Near Hopkins | 50 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Black River Dam.
Boat launches
- Hutchins Lake Boat Launch
- Hacklander Boating Access Site Saugatuck Township
- Bayou Street 87, Douglas
- Schultz Park Boating Access Site Douglas
- 65th Street 3698, Laketown Township
- County Road 380 47089, Columbia Township
Campgrounds
- Ely Lake Campground
- Van Buren State Park
- Youth Campground
- Covert Park
- Covert Park Beach And Campground
- Tri-Ponds Family Camp Resort
Fishing spots
Track Black River Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Black River Dam
Where does the data for Black River Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Black River Dam.