Lower Menominee River Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Lower Menominee River Dam, located in Menominee, Michigan, is a gravity dam completed in 1924 for hydroelectric purposes on the Menominee River.


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Summary

With a structural height of 29 feet and a length of 656 feet, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 680 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 46,600 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway, with a width of 452 feet, is designed to handle controlled releases of excess water.

Although the dam has not been state-regulated or inspected since 1977, it is considered to have a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment level. Despite its age, the Lower Menominee River Dam remains operational and plays a vital role in hydroelectric power generation in the region. The dam's presence on the Menominee River adds to the diverse landscape of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area, making it a point of interest for enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

656

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

Menominee River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

150

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

4051.3

Nid Storage

1000

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

29
       
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.