Five Channels
Five Channels is a gravity dam located in Iosco County, Michigan, built in 1912. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Five Channels
The primary purpose of Five Channels 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 Consumers Energy Company (public utility). It impounds the Au Sable River near Oscoda.
The dam stands 42 feet tall and stretches 800 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,419 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,613 square miles. Completed in 1912, the structure is over a century old.
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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/14/2022.
At 42 feet, this dam is taller than 89% 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 | Iosco |
| Nearest City | Oscoda |
| River/Stream | Au Sable River |
| Coordinates | 44.45530, -83.67670 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,419 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,419 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 1,613 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Consumers Energy Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 09/14/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00168 |
| Federal ID | MI00168 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |