Bond Falls Control Dam
Bond Falls Control Dam is an earth dam located in Ontonagon County, Michigan, built in 1938. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Bond Falls Control Dam
The primary purpose of Bond Falls Control Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Middle Branch Ontonagon near Paulding.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 850 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,160 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 36,000 acre-feet. Completed in 1938, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 06/09/2022.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Michigan dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Ontonagon |
| Nearest City | Paulding |
| River/Stream | Middle Branch Ontonagon |
| Coordinates | 46.38330, -89.13330 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 36,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 36,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 36,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,160 acres |
| Max Discharge | 7,200 cfs |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/09/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00153 |
| Federal ID | MI00153S002 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |