Foote Dam dam
Foote Dam
Located in Alcona, Michigan, the Foote Dam is a Federal-owned structure managed by the USDA Forest Service. Completed in 1994, the dam primarily serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a height of 10 feet and a storage capacity of 133 acre-feet. The dam's purpose is to support the conservation and enhancement of aquatic habitats for wildlife in the area.
With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, the Foote Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. Despite not being state-regulated, the dam is subject to regular inspections by the Forest Service to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam's uncontrolled spillway design and earth core construction highlight its focus on supporting the local ecosystem and wildlife populations.
In addition to its environmental significance, the Foote Dam serves as a notable landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its location in the Buffalo District and its association with the Forest Service underscore the collaborative efforts dedicated to preserving the natural resources of Michigan. As a key component in the region's water management infrastructure, the Foote Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable practices in safeguarding our planet's ecosystems.
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 Foote Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Au Sable River Near Mc Kinley | 1,680 cfs | → |
| Au Sable River Near Curtisville | 1,580 cfs | → |
| Au Sable River At Mio | 1,290 cfs | → |
| Au Sable River Near Au Sable | 1,800 cfs | → |
| Au Sable River Near Red Oak | 1,340 cfs | → |
| Thunder Bay River At Herron Road Near Bolton | 659 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Foote Dam.
Boat launches
- North Skeel Road Millen Township
- Federal Route 4001 Mitchell Township
- Thompson's Landing River Access
- Evans Road Mentor Township
- Mccollum Lake Road Clinton Township
- Pine Acres Boat Launch
Campgrounds
- Horseshoe Lake Campground And Boat Launch
- Horseshoe Lake Campground
- Gabions Campground
- Gabions Campground And Day Use
- Alcona Canoe Rental & Campground
- Bear Island Primitive Campsite
Fishing spots
- O'Brien Lake Access
- Sprinkler Lake Access Site
- Hubbard Lake
- Cooke Dam Pond
- Foote Dam (Au Sable River)
- Grebe Lake
More reservoirs
Track Foote 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 Foote Dam
Where does the data for Foote 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 Foote Dam.