Alverno Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Alverno, located in Cheboygan, Michigan, is a hydroelectric dam on the Black River with a rich history dating back to its completion in 1902.


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Summary

This earth, rockfill, and timber crib dam stands at 19 feet high and spans 450 feet, providing essential water storage of 105,034 acre-feet and serving multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond creation, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation. The dam's normal storage capacity is 49,496 acre-feet, supporting a surface area of 10,233 acres and draining a watershed area of 621 square miles.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Alverno has a low hazard potential and is actively regulated, inspected, and maintained to ensure safety and operational efficiency. Equipped with a Tainter (radial) outlet gate, the dam provides controlled water release with a maximum discharge capacity of 4,270 cubic feet per second. Despite limited information on its condition assessment, Alverno has an emergency action plan in place and meets regulatory guidelines, ensuring preparedness for any unforeseen events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate Alverno's contribution to sustainable energy production and environmental conservation efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

Black River

Surface Area

10233

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

621

Nid Storage

105034

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.