La Barge, located in Kent County, Michigan, is a gravity dam constructed in 1901 on the Thornapple River for hydroelectric purposes.
Wind
Humidity
This earth and gravity dam stands at 18 feet high with a hydraulic height of 32 feet and a structural height of 25 feet. It boasts a dam length of 542 feet and a storage capacity of 5,250 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 773 square miles. With a maximum discharge of 16,500 cubic feet per second, La Barge plays a crucial role in water resource management and hydroelectric power generation in the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, La Barge is equipped with a controlled spillway, Tainter gates, and a high hazard potential due to its very high risk assessment rating. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2019, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam undergoes inspections annually, with the last one conducted in September 2020. La Barge stands as a significant infrastructure contributing to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area, highlighting the importance of sustainable hydroelectric power generation and dam safety practices.
Year Completed |
1901 |
Dam Length |
542 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
Thornapple River |
Surface Area |
100 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
773 |
Nid Storage |
5250 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Grand River At Grand Rapids
|
1480cfs |
Rabbit River Near Hopkins
|
24cfs |
Thornapple River Near Hastings
|
132cfs |
Rogue River Near Rockford
|
126cfs |
Grand River At Ionia
|
597cfs |
Quaker Brook Near Nashville
|
21cfs |