Byron Dam dam
Byron Dam
Byron Dam, located in Byron, Michigan, is a local government-owned structure that has been regulating the flow of the Shiawassee River since its completion in 1847. With a primary purpose of recreation, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a hydraulic height of 15.2 feet, providing a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a surface area of 104 acres. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 1,287 cubic feet per second, with an uncontrolled spillway width of 35 feet.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Byron Dam is subject to regular inspections by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE). The last inspection took place in October 2016, with a frequency of every 5 years. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with measures in place for risk management. The dam's location in the Shiawassee River watershed adds to its importance in regulating water flow and providing recreational opportunities for the local community.
Overall, Byron Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and recreation in Shiawassee County. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem and ensuring the safety of nearby residents. As a focal point for both water enthusiasts and climate advocates, Byron Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human infrastructure and natural resource management.
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 Byron Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Red Cedar River Near Williamston | 84 cfs | → |
| Flint River Near Flint | 614 cfs | → |
| Shiawassee River At Owosso | 361 cfs | → |
| Huron River At Milford | 73 cfs | → |
| Sloan Creek Near Williamston | 2 cfs | → |
| Kearsley Creek Near Davison | 52 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Byron Dam.
Boat launches
- Lobdel Lake Dnr Boatlaunch
- Indian Lake, 75 Acres, Livingston County
- Lake Ponemah, Genesee County
- Lake Fenton, 845 Acres, Genesee County
- Dickinson Lake, (Seven Lakes St Park), Oakland County
- Roosevelt Street 327, Howell
Campgrounds
- Seven Lakes State Park
- Group Camping Area 2
- Group Camping Area 3
- Group Camping Area 1
- Group Camping Area 4
- Group Camping Area 5
Fishing spots
Track Byron 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 Byron Dam
Where does the data for Byron 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 Byron Dam.