La Barge Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

La Barge, located in Kent County, Michigan, is a gravity dam constructed in 1901 on the Thornapple River for hydroelectric purposes.


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Summary

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
       
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.