Weippert Dam dam
Weippert Dam
Weippert Dam, also known as Mill Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Ionia, Michigan, along the Sebewa Creek. Built in 1840, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a length of 370 feet, providing a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet for recreational purposes. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 93 feet and has a low hazard potential, although it is rated as having a very high risk due to its age and condition.
Despite being privately owned, Weippert Dam is not regulated or inspected by the state of Michigan, raising concerns about its safety and maintenance. The dam is situated in a picturesque area with a surface area of 14 acres, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, with a risk assessment indicating a very high level of risk, efforts may be needed to ensure the long-term safety and stability of the structure for both the community and the environment.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the condition of Weippert Dam closely and advocate for proper maintenance and risk management measures to prevent potential hazards. With a risk assessment rating of very high, there is a pressing need for action to safeguard this historic dam and the surrounding area from any potential threats or disasters. This highlights the importance of proactive measures to ensure the sustainability and safety of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Weippert Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Grand River At Portland | 1,010 cfs | → |
| Looking Glass River Near Eagle | 143 cfs | → |
| Grand River At Ionia | 1,890 cfs | → |
| Quaker Brook Near Nashville | 21 cfs | → |
| Thornapple River Near Hastings | 245 cfs | → |
| Grand River At Lansing | 825 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Weippert Dam.
Boat launches
- West Saint Joseph Highway Sunfield Township
- Tasker Road Odessa Township
- North Clinton Street Grand Ledge
- South Tabor Street 270, Lyons
- Ionia Grand River Boat Ramp
- East Bluewater Highway Muir
Campgrounds
- Ionia Equestrian-Rustic
- Ionia State Rec Area
- Bertha Brock County Park
- Eaton County Fairgrounds
- Maple River Campground
- Tyden City Park
Fishing spots
More reservoirs
Track Weippert Dam 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 Weippert Dam
Where does the data for Weippert 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 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 Weippert Dam.