Belding

Flat River· Ionia, Michigan· Built 1906· Gravity· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Belding is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1906 and is 120 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 50.6% in MI)
Dam Length296 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage490 acre-ft
Normal Storage490 acre-ft
Surface Area110 acres
Drainage Area493 sq mi
Max Discharge6,000 cfs
Year Completed1906 (120 years old)
NID IDMI00498

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 27, 2018
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Grenfell Hydroelectric Associates, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Belding?

Belding is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Belding?

Belding is owned by Grenfell Hydroelectric Associates, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Belding built?

Belding was completed in 1906, making it 120 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 Belding?

Belding serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Belding?

Belding has a dam height of 15 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 Belding last inspected?

Belding was last inspected on September 27, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.