Vanrick Industrial Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Vanrick Industrial Park Dam, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along Davis Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and a length of 270 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to mitigate the risk of flooding in the surrounding area, with a spillway width of 30 feet to handle maximum discharges of up to 900 cubic feet per second.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the Vanrick Industrial Park Dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The condition assessment of the dam is currently marked as "Not Rated," with a moderate risk level of 3 assigned to it. While the dam has not been state-regulated or permitted, it continues to play a vital role in managing flood risks in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Vanrick Industrial Park Dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive infrastructure in safeguarding communities against natural disasters.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

Davis Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.