Hardy dam
Hardy
Hardy is a captivating hydroelectric dam located in Newaygo, Michigan, along the Muskegon River. Built in 1931, this Earth dam stands at 106 feet tall and stretches 2580 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 134,973 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, recreation, and of course, generating hydroelectric power.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Hardy's hazard potential is classified as high, with a very high risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the condition assessment is not available, emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance. The dam features a controlled spillway and three other controlled outlet gates, ensuring efficient water management. Its location in the Chicago District and the involvement of Congressman Bill Huizenga highlight the importance of this vital water resource in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hardy represents a significant piece of infrastructure with historical significance and ongoing importance in managing the Muskegon River's flow. As a public utility, it plays a crucial role in providing clean energy, recreational opportunities, and protection against flooding. The dam's design by Fargo Engineering and its federal oversight underscore the collaboration necessary to sustainably manage water resources in Michigan. Hardy stands as a testament to the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and public safety in the face of a changing climate.
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 Hardy -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon River Near Croton | 2,260 cfs | → |
| Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove | 244 cfs | → |
| Rogue River Near Rockford | 239 cfs | → |
| White River Near Whitehall | 516 cfs | → |
| Bear Creek Near Muskegon | 17 cfs | → |
| Muskegon River At Evart | 1,540 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Hardy .
Boat launches
- East 72nd Street Brooks Township
- Timberview Drive Brooks Township
- North Country Scenic Trail Campground Spur Everett Township
- Stanwood Boat Club
- 8 Mile Road Mecosta Township
- Summer Court ,
Campgrounds
- Oxbow Park
- Newaygo State Park Rustic Campground
- Newaygo State Park
- Big Bend Park
- Croton Township Park
- Utley Lake
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Morley Dam In T13n, R10w To Croton Dam Pond In T12n, R11w
- Croton Dam In T12n, R11w To City Of Newaygo In T12n, R12w
- South Branch From Forest Boundary East Of Hesperia At West Section Line Of Sec 22, T14n, R14w To Echo Drive In Sec 6, T13n, R12w
- North Branch From Its Confluence With South Branch In Sec 22, T13n, R16 W To Mclaren Lake In Sec 11, T14n, R15w
- Mainstem To Forest Boundary At North Section Line Of Sec 2, T13n, R15w (1.5 Miles West Of Herperia)
More reservoirs
Track Hardy 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 Hardy
Where does the data for Hardy 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 High 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 Hardy .