Upper Boron Dam dam
Upper Boron Dam
Upper Boron Dam, also known as Upstream Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Red Oak, Michigan, along the Wright Creek. Built in 1962, this Earth type dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 288 feet in length. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam provides a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 14 acres, serving as a popular spot for water enthusiasts in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Upper Boron Dam is regulated and inspected by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 12 feet, and is equipped to handle a maximum discharge, although specific details were not provided. The dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3), prompting the implementation of appropriate risk management measures to mitigate any potential hazards.
With its serene location in Oscoda County and recreational offerings, Upper Boron Dam provides a peaceful retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking outdoor activities. Its historical significance and impact on the local landscape make it a valuable asset to the community, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and oversight to ensure its continued safety and enjoyment for generations to come.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Upper Boron Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Au Sable River Near Red Oak | 1,370 cfs | → |
| Au Sable River At Mio | 1,330 cfs | → |
| South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne | 338 cfs | → |
| Au Sable River Near Mc Kinley | 1,750 cfs | → |
| Pigeon R At Sturgeon Valley Rd Near Vanderbilt | 95 cfs | → |
| Au Sable River Near Curtisville | 1,650 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Upper Boron Dam.
Boat launches
- Reber Road Comins Township
- Balsam Road 6998, Charlton Township
- Legend Drive Otsego Lake Township
- Briggs Road Otsego Lake Township
- Lakeview Street Otsego Lake Township
- Big Chub Lake, 75 Acres, Otsego County
Campgrounds
- Muskrat Lake Campground
- Little Wolf Lake State Forest Campground
- Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground
- Shupac Lake State Forest Campground
- Mio Pond State Forest Campground And Group Camp
- White Pine Canoe Camp
Fishing spots
Track Upper Boron Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Upper Boron Dam
Where does the data for Upper Boron Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Upper Boron Dam.