Victoria Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Victoria is a hydroelectric dam located in Ontonagon, Michigan, along the West Branch Ontonagon river.


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Summary

Built in 1930, this concrete, earth, and gravity dam stands at a height of 115 feet with a hydraulic height of 210 feet, providing a storage capacity of 10,300 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 250 acres. The dam serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation and recreation, making it a vital resource for the local community.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Victoria has a controlled spillway with a width of 88 feet and four Tainter radial gates for water release. With a maximum discharge capacity of 21,000 cubic feet per second, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its age and condition assessment that is currently not available. Despite its risks, the dam remains an essential infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

As a key component of Michigan's water infrastructure, Victoria plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing renewable energy to the surrounding area. With its historic significance and ongoing maintenance challenges, ensuring the safety and functionality of the dam is essential for sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the face of increasing environmental risks.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

860

Dam Height

115

River Or Stream

West Branch Ontonagon

Surface Area

250

Hydraulic Height

210

Drainage Area

661

Nid Storage

10300

Structural Height

115

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 4

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

210
       
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.