Allegan City Dam
Key Takeaway
Allegan City Dam is classified as high hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 14 ft (taller than 44.8% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 450 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 135 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,523 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00489 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
City of Allegan
Local Government
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Low Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Allegan City Dam?
Allegan City Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Allegan City Dam?
Allegan City Dam is owned by City of Allegan (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Allegan City Dam built?
Allegan City Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Allegan City Dam?
Allegan City Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Allegan City Dam?
Allegan City Dam has a dam height of 14 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Allegan City Dam last inspected?
Allegan City Dam was last inspected on August 18, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.