Flat River Diversion Dam dam
Flat River Diversion Dam
The Flat River Diversion Dam in Kent, Michigan, is a gravity dam with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. Completed in 1903, this structure stands at a height of 34 feet and has a hydraulic height of 22 feet. With a storage capacity of 3,500 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 2,380 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
The dam also serves recreational purposes and has a spillway type of controlled with a width of 61 feet. The maximum discharge capacity of the dam is 14,565 cubic feet per second, making it an important component of the local water infrastructure. Despite its age, the dam has a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued safe operation.
Owned by a private entity and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Flat River Diversion Dam is a key feature in the region's water management system. Its association with the Flat River and its role in providing hydroelectric power highlight its significance for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable energy solutions and water infrastructure development.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Flat River Diversion Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Grand River At Ionia | 1,890 cfs | → |
| Rogue River Near Rockford | 235 cfs | → |
| Grand River At Grand Rapids | 3,860 cfs | → |
| Grand River At Portland | 979 cfs | → |
| Thornapple River Near Hastings | 245 cfs | → |
| Fish Creek Near Crystal | 29 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Flat River Diversion Dam .
Boat launches
- Cascade Road Southeast 14216, Lowell Charter Township
- Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Rail-Trail Saranac
- Boating Access Site Ada Township
- Silk City Nature Trail Belding
- Knapp Street Northeast Ada Township
- 84th Street Southeast 9620, Bowne Township
Campgrounds
- Ionia State Rec Area
- Bertha Brock County Park
- Ionia Equestrian-Rustic
- Wabasis Lake County Park
- Camp Greenwood
- Tyden City Park
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Morley Dam In T13n, R10w To Croton Dam Pond In T12n, R11w
- Croton Dam In T12n, R11w To City Of Newaygo In T12n, R12w
- South Branch From Forest Boundary East Of Hesperia At West Section Line Of Sec 22, T14n, R14w To Echo Drive In Sec 6, T13n, R12w
- North Branch From Its Confluence With South Branch In Sec 22, T13n, R16 W To Mclaren Lake In Sec 11, T14n, R15w
Track Flat River Diversion Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Flat River Diversion Dam
Where does the data for Flat River Diversion Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Flat River Diversion Dam .