Ford Lake dam
Ford Lake
Ford Lake, located in Belleville, Michigan, is a captivating water resource with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. Built in 1932, this earth dam stands at a height of 45 feet and has a hydraulic height of 34 feet, serving as a vital structure along the Huron River. With a storage capacity of 18,000 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 30,600 cubic feet per second, Ford Lake plays a significant role in managing water resources in the area.
The dam's controlled spillway and six slide gates ensure effective water flow regulation, while its high hazard potential and very high risk assessment highlight the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness. Despite limited information available on its condition assessment, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission oversees its operation and inspection, maintaining its safety and functionality. With a scenic surface area of 987 acres and a drainage area of 814 square miles, Ford Lake offers a picturesque landscape for water and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.
In conclusion, Ford Lake stands as a historic and essential hydroelectric facility in Washtenaw County, Michigan, contributing to renewable energy production and water resource management. Its strategic location along the Huron River, coupled with its impressive storage capacity and discharge capabilities, underscores its significance in the region. As efforts continue to ensure its safety and operational efficiency, Ford Lake remains a valuable asset for both local government and environmental conservation initiatives, making it a must-visit destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
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.
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 Ford Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Malletts Creek At Ann Arbor | 3 cfs | → |
| Huron River At Ann Arbor | 298 cfs | → |
| Saline River Near Saline | 47 cfs | → |
| Middle River Rouge At Plymouth | 40 cfs | → |
| Ecorse River At Dearborn Heights | 1 cfs | → |
| Lower River Rouge At Inkster | 132 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ford Lake .
Boat launches
- Lake Point Boulevard Van Buren Township
- Gallup Park Pathway Ann Arbor Township
- Geddes Road Ann Arbor
- Barton-Bandemer Boardwalk Ann Arbor
- Hines Drive Livonia
- Hines Drive 33469, Livonia
Campgrounds
- Wayne County Fairgrounds Rv
- East Bend Group Camp
- Kc Campgrounds
- Group Use Area
- Canoe Camping
- Sterling State Park
Track Ford Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Ford Lake
Where does the data for Ford Lake 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 High 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Ford Lake .