Cataract Hydroelectric
Cataract Hydroelectric is a gravity dam located in Marquette County, Michigan, built in 1929. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cataract Hydroelectric
The primary purpose of Cataract Hydroelectric is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Carbon Free Group (private). It impounds the Middle Branch Escanaba near Gwinn.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 280 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 180 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 875 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 210 square miles. Completed in 1929, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 06/14/2018.
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Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Marquette |
| Nearest City | Gwinn |
| River/Stream | Middle Branch Escanaba |
| Coordinates | 46.31570, -87.51270 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 280 ft |
| Year Completed | 1929 (97 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 875 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 875 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 860 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 180 acres |
| Drainage Area | 210 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,800 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Carbon Free Group |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/14/2018 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00163 |
| Federal ID | MI00163 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |