Portage Plant Dam
Key Takeaway
Portage Plant Dam is classified as high hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 19 ft (taller than 67.3% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 1,116 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 900 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 81 acres |
| Drainage Area | 192 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,734 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1922 (104 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00374 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Portage Power Company
Private
Nearby Dams
Three Rivers
St. Joseph, MI
High Hazard 16 ftSturgis
St. Joseph, MI
High Hazard 25 ftCorey Lake Level Overflow Structure
St. Joseph, MI
Low Hazard 6 ftConstantine
St. Joseph, MI
High Hazard 11 ftCentreville Wastewater Treatment Lagoon Dam
St. Joseph, MI
Low Hazard 23 ftUpper Constantine Dam
St. Joseph, MI
Significant Hazard 13 ftFawn River Power Company Dam
St. Joseph, MI
Low Hazard 22 ftCentreville Dam
St. Joseph, MI
Low Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Portage Plant Dam?
Portage Plant 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 Portage Plant Dam?
Portage Plant Dam is owned by Portage Power Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Portage Plant Dam built?
Portage Plant Dam was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Portage Plant Dam?
Portage Plant 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 Portage Plant Dam?
Portage Plant 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 Portage Plant Dam last inspected?
Portage Plant Dam was last inspected on December 2, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.