Lyons Dam, located in Ionia, Michigan, was completed in 1900 and serves as a recreational structure on the Grand River.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at a height of 18.2 feet and has a length of 370 feet, creating a surface area of 120 acres and a storage capacity of 1820 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has a low hazard potential but is currently in poor condition as of the last assessment in 2013.
Managed by the local government, Lyons Dam is regulated and inspected by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 275 feet and a maximum discharge of 27,000 cubic feet per second. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is in need of risk management measures to ensure its continued safety and functionality for both recreational and environmental purposes.
Overall, Lyons Dam presents an intriguing blend of historical significance and contemporary challenges in water resource management. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, there is a unique opportunity to study the dam's impact on the surrounding area and explore potential solutions for its maintenance and preservation in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
370 |
Dam Height |
18.2 |
River Or Stream |
Grand River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
120 |
Hydraulic Height |
18.2 |
Drainage Area |
1758 |
Nid Storage |
1820 |
Structural Height |
18.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Grand River At Ionia
|
597cfs |
Grand River At Portland
|
474cfs |
Looking Glass River Near Eagle
|
40cfs |
Maple River At Maple Rapids
|
42cfs |
Fish Creek Near Crystal
|
14cfs |
Grand River At Lansing
|
293cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Maple River Campground
|
||
Bertha Brock County Park
|
||
Ionia Equestrian-Rustic
|
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Ionia State Rec Area
|