Sturgeon River Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Sturgeon River Dam, also known as the Sturgeon Plant, is a privately owned hydroelectric facility located in Loretto, Michigan.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1924, this gravity dam stands at a height of 80 feet and has a length of 290 feet, harnessing the power of the Sturgeon River to generate electricity. With a storage capacity of 6,700 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 4,400 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in providing renewable energy to the region.

Despite not being state regulated, the Sturgeon River Dam poses a moderate risk according to its risk assessment, with an undetermined hazard potential. The dam's condition is currently not rated, with its last inspection dating back to September 1998. While emergency preparedness measures like an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) are not specified, the dam's uncontrolled spillway and moderate risk status highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of this vital water resource infrastructure for both energy production and environmental preservation in the Sturgeon River watershed.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

80

River Or Stream

Sturgeon River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

248

Hydraulic Height

80

Drainage Area

248

Nid Storage

6700

Structural Height

80

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

80
       
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.