Net River Dam

West Branch Net River· Baraga, Michigan· Built 1953· Earth· 19 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Net River Dam is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 19 ft (taller than 67.3% in MI)
Dam Length435 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.2K acre-ft
Surface Area400 acres
Drainage Area33 sq mi
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDMI00131

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 25, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

MDNR Wildlife

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Net River Dam?

Net River Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Net River Dam?

Net River Dam is owned by MDNR Wildlife (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Net River Dam built?

Net River Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Net River Dam?

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

How tall is Net River Dam?

Net River Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Net River Dam last inspected?

Net River Dam was last inspected on August 25, 2020. 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.