Kenowa Lake Level Control Structure Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Kenowa Lake Level Control Structure in Jenison, Michigan, is a privately-owned dam that was completed in 1975 for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and has a hydraulic height of 7.4 feet, with a length of 500 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 35 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 150 cubic feet per second, helping to control water levels in the Huizeinga Dr tributary to Rush Creek.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the structure is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 46 feet, and the risk assessment for the structure is considered moderate. The last inspection was conducted in April 2018, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. While there are no associated locks or outlet gates, the Kenowa Lake Level Control Structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Ottawa County, Michigan.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Huizeinga Dr trib to Rush Cr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

7.4

Drainage Area

4.1

Nid Storage

95

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.