Summary
Built in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 70 feet and serves primarily for tailings management. With a storage capacity of 34,300 acre-feet, the dam's purpose is to contain and manage the waste materials produced by mining activities in the region.
Situated on Bear Creek near Lake Superior, the Copper Range Company Dam plays a crucial role in environmental protection and water resource management. While the dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 6 feet, its overall hazard potential and condition assessment remain undetermined and unrated, respectively. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam has not been inspected since 1996, raising concerns about its current state and the potential implications for the surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Copper Range Company Dam presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of industry, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure management. As a key element in the region's mining history, the dam's role in safeguarding water quality and ecosystem health underscores the importance of monitoring and maintaining aging structures to ensure their continued safety and effectiveness in the face of changing climate conditions and regulatory requirements.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Height |
70 |
River Or Stream |
Bear Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1225 |
Hydraulic Height |
60 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
34300 |
Structural Height |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
70 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Copper Range Company Dam
South Branch,Confluence Of Cisco Branch And Tenmile Creek To Confluence With West Branch