Bond Falls Main Dam

Middle Branch Ontonagon· Ontonagon, Michigan· Built 1938· Gravity· 50 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Not Listed

Key Takeaway

Bond Falls Main Dam is classified as high hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 50 ft (taller than 96.6% in MI)
Dam Length820 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage36.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage36.0K acre-ft
Surface Area2,160 acres
Drainage Area190 sq mi
Max Discharge7,200 cfs
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)
NID IDMI00153

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 9, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bond Falls Main Dam?

Bond Falls Main Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bond Falls Main Dam?

Bond Falls Main Dam is owned by information not available (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bond Falls Main Dam built?

Bond Falls Main Dam was completed in 1938, making it 88 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Bond Falls Main Dam?

Bond Falls Main Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bond Falls Main Dam?

Bond Falls Main Dam has a dam height of 50 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Bond Falls Main Dam last inspected?

Bond Falls Main Dam was last inspected on June 9, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.