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The Copper Range Company Dam, also known as the Copper Range South Tailings Dam, is a private structure located in Ontonagon, Michigan.
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Ontonagon Township Park
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Courtney Lake
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Courtney Lake Campground
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Emily Lake State Forest Campground
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Emily Lake State Forest
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Bob Lake
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South Branch,Confluence Of Cisco Branch And Tenmile Creek To Confluence With West Branch
West Branch, Mi State Highway 28 To Cascade Falls
From Wagner Lake In Sec 13, T49N, R31W To Eastern Boundary Of The Ottawa Nf In Sec 12, T48N, R35@
Minnewawa Falls To Lake Superior
West Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 35, T48N, R34W To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46N, R34W
East Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 8, T47N, R32W To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46N, R34W