Rockford Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rockford Dam, located in Kent County, Michigan, along the Rogue River, was completed in 1888 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a gravity-type design and a height of 19 feet, the dam offers a structural height of 19 feet as well as a hydraulic height of 18.9 feet. It has a capacity of 180 acre-feet of water storage, with a normal storage level of 110 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 6,100 cubic feet per second. The dam also features a controlled spillway with a width of 182 feet, ensuring efficient water flow management.

Maintained by the local government and regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Rockford Dam poses a significant hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition as of October 2020. Despite the risk, the dam has a very high risk assessment rating of 1, indicating the importance of monitoring and managing its operations closely. With a history dating back over a century, Rockford Dam remains a key landmark in the region, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in its engineering and environmental impact on the surrounding area.

For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Rockford Dam offers a fascinating case study in balancing recreational benefits with safety and regulatory compliance. With a rich history and ongoing inspection and enforcement measures in place, the dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that infrastructure plays in shaping our interaction with water resources. As efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts continue to evolve, understanding the complexities of dams like Rockford becomes increasingly important for ensuring the sustainability of our water systems.

Year Completed

1888

Dam Length

232

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

Rogue River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

18.9

Drainage Area

225

Nid Storage

180

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
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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.