Upper South Dam

Upper South Dam Quick Facts

Location: Alpena, Michigan
Coordinates: 45.024, -83.791
River: Thunder Bay River
Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric
Type: Gravity Earth
Commissioned: 1930
Dam Height: 20 ft (6 m)
Dam Length: 350 ft (107 m)
Dam Capacity: 55,000 acre-ft (67,841 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Satisfactory
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Upper South Dam Map

Upper South Dam Information

Upper South Dam is a gravity earth dam located about 8 miles from Lachine, Alpena, Michigan.

The dam, which is on the Thunder Bay River, was primarily built for Hydroelectric purposes, but also serves for Recreation benefits.

The dam was designed by and commissioned in 1930 and is currently owned by .

Upper South Dam Structure

The Upper South Dam is approximately 350 feet (107 m) long, 20 feet (6 m) high and has a structural volume of cubic yards (0 cubic metres).

Upper South Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 40,100 acre-ft (49,463 Ml) and maximum capacity of 55,000 acre-ft (67,841 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 7,000 acres (2,833 ha) and the total catchment area is 182 square miles (471 square kilometres).

Upper South Dam Spillway

The dam spillway has a maximum discharge capacity of 4850 cubic feet per second (137 cubic metres per second).

Upper South Dam Compared to Five Famous American Dams

Height (ft)
Length (Ft)
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
Drainage Area (sq miles)
 
Upper South Dam
Alpena, Michigan
Height (ft)
20
Length (Ft)
350
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
55,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
182
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Height (ft)
730
Length (Ft)
1,244
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
30,237,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
167,800
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Height (ft)
550
Length (Ft)
5,673
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
9,562,0000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
74,100
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Height (ft)
357
Length (Ft)
1,208
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,411,500
Drainage Area (sq miles)
5,736
Oroville Dam
Butte County, California
Height (ft)
235
Length (Ft)
6,920
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,540,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
3,611
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft)
216
Length (Ft)
1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
108,355

Upper South Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Upper South Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Upper South Dam

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Upper South Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Upper South Dam?

Upper South Dam is in Michigan.

In which county is the Upper South Dam?

Upper South Dam is in Alpena County.

How high is the Upper South Dam?

Upper South Dam is 20 feet high.

How long is the Upper South Dam?

Upper South Dam is 350 feet long.

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More Dams in Alpena County:

Hubbard Lake Dam
Ninth Street Dam
Norway Point Dam
Upper South Dam

Condition Assessment Classification

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

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. Investigations and studies are necessary.

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.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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