Ford Dam, also known as Plumbago Dam, is a private earth dam located in Baraga, Michigan, along Plumbago Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1936, this dam is primarily used for recreational purposes and stands at a height of 26 feet with a length of 500 feet. It has a storage capacity of 1,500 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 340 acre-feet, serving as a vital resource for water management in the area.
Managed and regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Ford Dam poses a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in November 2018. With an uncontrolled spillway and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has emergency action plans in place to ensure public safety in case of any unforeseen events.
Despite its age, Ford Dam remains a key landmark in the region, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-related activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Ford Dam become even more crucial to ensure their resilience and efficient operation for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
Plumbago Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
1.8 |
Nid Storage |
1500 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
26 |
Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw
|
227cfs |
Sturgeon River Near Alston
|
358cfs |
Silver River Near L'Anse
|
156cfs |
Middle Branch Escanaba River At Humboldt
|
188cfs |
Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding
|
241cfs |
Ontonagon River Near Rockland
|
1100cfs |