Foote
Foote is a gravity dam located in Iosco County, Michigan, built in 1918. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Foote
The primary purpose of Foote 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 51 feet tall and stretches 4,100 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,800 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 30,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,832 square miles. Completed in 1918, 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 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 09/14/2022.
At 51 feet, this dam is taller than 93% 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 | 44.43534, -83.44063 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 51 ft |
| Dam Height | 47 ft |
| Dam Length | 4,100 ft |
| Year Completed | 1918 (108 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 30,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 30,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 30,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,800 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,832 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 22,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Consumers Energy Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/14/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00169 |
| Federal ID | MI00169 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |