Spring Valley Park Dam

Trib to Kalamazoo River· Kalamazoo, Michigan· Built 1956· Earth· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Spring Valley Park Dam is classified as significant hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 39.7% in MI)
Dam Length585 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage300 acre-ft
Normal Storage180 acre-ft
Surface Area64 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge196 cfs
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)
NID IDMI00133

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 22, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

City of Kalamazoo

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Spring Valley Park Dam?

Spring Valley Park Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Spring Valley Park Dam?

Spring Valley Park Dam is owned by City of Kalamazoo (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Spring Valley Park Dam built?

Spring Valley Park Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Spring Valley Park Dam?

Spring Valley Park 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 Spring Valley Park Dam?

Spring Valley Park Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Spring Valley Park Dam last inspected?

Spring Valley Park Dam was last inspected on October 22, 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.