Moores Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Moores Park Dam, located in Lansing, Michigan on the Grand River, was completed in 1904 and is owned by a public utility.


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Summary

Designed by the Fargo Engineering Company, this gravity dam stands at a height of 22.1 feet with a structural height of 31.1 feet. With a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, the dam also serves recreational purposes and has a high hazard potential.

The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 184 feet and three Tainter (radial) outlet gates. It has a storage capacity of 2,140 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 10,300 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for Moores Park Dam is classified as very high (1), emphasizing the importance of proper risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

Despite not being state-regulated, the dam is subject to inspections by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020. With its rich history and significant impact on the surrounding area, Moores Park Dam stands as a notable structure on the Grand River, contributing to water resource management and climate initiatives in the region.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

473.4

Dam Height

22.1

River Or Stream

Grand River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

310

Hydraulic Height

23.9

Drainage Area

768

Nid Storage

2140

Structural Height

31.1

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 3

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

31
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.