Hardwood Dam
Hardwood Dam is an earth dam located in Dickinson County, Michigan, built in 1977. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Hardwood Dam
The primary purpose of Hardwood Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Dickinson Co Board Of Commissioners (local government). It impounds the East Branch Sturgeon River near Hardwood.
The dam stands 37 feet tall and stretches 700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 283 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 19,510 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 89 square miles. Completed in 1977, the structure is 49 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/11/2017.
At 37 feet, this dam is taller than 84% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Dickinson |
| Nearest City | Hardwood |
| River/Stream | East Branch Sturgeon River |
| Coordinates | 45.97667, -87.68333 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 19,510 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 19,510 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7,190 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 283 acres |
| Drainage Area | 89 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,321 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Dickinson Co Board of Commissioners |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/11/2017 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00716 |
| Federal ID | MI00716 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |