Bellaire Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Bellaire, Michigan, the Bellaire Dam, also known as the Intermediate River Dam, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1906, this Earth and Gravity type dam stands at 18 feet tall and stretches 213 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 12,180 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of the Intermediate River, covering a drainage area of 145.4 square miles and boasting a controlled spillway width of 53 feet.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of November 2018, the Bellaire Dam poses a high hazard potential, prompting inspections every three years. With a very high risk rating, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans are yet to be fully reported. The dam's location in Antrim County, Michigan, under state regulatory oversight, underscores the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources in the face of climate challenges. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate action will find the Bellaire Dam an intriguing case study in dam management and resilience strategies.

Year Completed

1906

Dam Length

213

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Intermediate River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1520

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

145.4

Nid Storage

12180

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

18
       
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.