Otter Lake Dam, also known as Sturgeon River Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Chassell, Michigan.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1978, this gravity dam stands at a height of 12 feet and stretches 145 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 4,272 acre-feet. Situated on the Sturgeon River, it serves multiple purposes beyond flood control, with a surface area of 935 acres and a normal storage capacity of 3,560 acre-feet.
Managed by Michigan's DEGLE agency, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2019, Otter Lake Dam poses a moderate risk level according to the Risk Assessment rating. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 120 feet, and the dam has an emergency action plan in place, although details on its last revision date and adherence to guidelines are not provided in the data.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Otter Lake Dam an intriguing structure to study, given its location on the scenic Sturgeon River and its significant impact on the surrounding area's water management. With its unique design, operational features, and risk profile, the dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in Houghton County, Michigan, contributing to both water storage and flood protection efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
145 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
Sturgeon River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
935 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
4272 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Silver River Near L'Anse
|
156cfs |
Sturgeon River Near Alston
|
293cfs |
Trap Rock River Near Lake Linden
|
86cfs |
Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw
|
227cfs |
Ontonagon River Near Rockland
|
1100cfs |
Middle Branch Escanaba River At Humboldt
|
188cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
L'Anse Township Park Campground
|
||
Lanse Township Park
|
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Baraga State Park
|