Belding Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Lowell, Michigan, Belding is a privately-owned hydroelectric dam on the Flat River, boasting a gravity design with a dam height of 15 feet and a length of 296 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1906, Belding has a maximum storage capacity of 490 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 490 acre-feet, serving as a crucial water resource in the region with a drainage area of 493 square miles.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Belding has a controlled spillway type with a width of 87 feet and three Tainter (radial) outlet gates. Despite its low hazard potential, Belding is classified as having a very high risk due to its age and limited condition assessment data. With a history dating back over a century, this historic dam continues to play a significant role in the local water infrastructure, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Year Completed

1906

Dam Length

296

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Flat River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

110

Drainage Area

493

Nid Storage

490

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 3

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.