Tourist Park (Marquette Dam 3) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tourist Park (Marquette Dam 3) is a captivating destination nestled in Marquette, Michigan, along the serene Dead River.


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Summary

This hydroelectric marvel, completed in 1924, boasts a concrete dam standing at a height of 34 feet and stretching 800 feet in length. With a maximum storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a surface area of 110 acres, this dam serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation and recreational activities.

The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 20 feet and two Tainter radial gates for water release. Despite its age, Tourist Park Dam is well-maintained by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, ensuring its safety and operational efficiency. However, due to its high hazard potential and very high risk assessment rating, emergency preparedness measures are crucial for the surrounding community.

Visitors to Tourist Park can marvel at the engineering ingenuity of the multi-arch dam while enjoying the picturesque surroundings and engaging in various recreational pursuits. Whether you're a water resource enthusiast or a climate advocate, this historic landmark offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and technical excellence for all to appreciate.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

Dead River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

110

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

159

Nid Storage

600

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

34
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.