Timmer Dam dam
Timmer Dam
Timmer Dam, located in Zeeland, Michigan, is a privately owned structure that serves as a vital component for flood risk reduction in the area. Completed in 1988, this earth dam stands at a height of 25.3 feet and has a hydraulic height of 23.2 feet, providing essential protection for the surrounding community. With a storage capacity of 117 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.89 square miles, Timmer Dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing the risk of flooding in the region.
Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Timmer Dam is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and risk management measures. With a spillway width of 18 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 612 cubic feet per second, Timmer Dam is equipped to handle high water levels and protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Timmer Dam represents a critical infrastructure project that highlights the intersection of water management, environmental protection, and community safety. By understanding the design and purposes of this dam, individuals can appreciate the significant role it plays in mitigating flood risks, safeguarding water resources, and promoting sustainable development in the region. As climate change continues to impact water systems worldwide, structures like Timmer Dam serve as essential tools for adapting to evolving environmental conditions and ensuring the resilience of local communities in the face of natural disasters.
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 Timmer Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Macatawa River At State Road Near Zeeland | 13 cfs | → |
| Grand River At Grand Rapids | 2,130 cfs | → |
| Kalamazoo River At New Richmond | 1,730 cfs | → |
| Rabbit River Near Hopkins | 46 cfs | → |
| Kalamazoo River Near New Richmond | 4,480 cfs | → |
| Rogue River Near Rockford | 167 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Timmer Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Timmer Dam
Where does the data for Timmer 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 Low 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 below 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.
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.