Escanaba No 4 Boney Falls Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Escanaba No 4 Boney Falls, also known simply as Boney Falls, is a significant dam located in Wells, Michigan, within Delta County.


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Summary

Completed in 1920, this dam stands at a height of 49 feet and has a length of 3300 feet. It is classified as a concrete, earth, and gravity dam, with a stone core and rock foundations, serving a vital role in water resource management in the area.

With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Escanaba No 4 Boney Falls is closely monitored by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 320 feet and is equipped with six Tainter radial gates for water release. Its maximum discharge capacity reaches 100,000 cubic feet per second, providing essential flood control measures for the surrounding area.

Despite its critical role in water management, the condition assessment for Escanaba No 4 Boney Falls is currently listed as "Not Available." Regular inspections are conducted, with the last inspection taking place in September 2020. With its historical significance and essential functions, this dam remains a key structure in maintaining water resources and safeguarding against potential risks in the region.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

3300

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

Escanaba

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

770

Nid Storage

1

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 6

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

49
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

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.