Grass Lake Level Control Structure Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Grass Lake Level Control Structure, also known as Lake Bella Vista Dam, is a privately owned dam located in Belmont, Michigan.


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Summary

Built in 1973, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and is regulated by the state of Michigan. With a height of 29 feet and a length of 1900 feet, the dam impounds Barkley Creek, creating a surface area of 240 acres and a drainage area of 1.5 square miles.

The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 5 feet, and it has a significant hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of August 2020. The structure's maximum discharge capacity is 175 cubic feet per second, and it has a normal storage capacity of 1800 acre-feet. The dam is inspected every four years, with the last assessment conducted in August 2020. Despite being privately owned, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Located in Kent County, Michigan, the Grass Lake Level Control Structure provides both recreational opportunities and flood control benefits to the local community. With its moderate risk assessment rating and satisfactory condition, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the region.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

1900

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

Barkley Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

240

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

5917

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

29
       
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.