Performance Evaluation of the Sanford Dam Fuse Plug Spillway and Best Practices for Fuse Plug Spillway Design and Construction

The failure of Edenville Dam in Central Michigan in May 2020 activated the fuse plug spillway at Sanford Dam, located a short distance downstream. Although that dam eventually overtopped and failed due to the volume of the inflow from Edenville Dam, the operation of its fuse plug spillway provides an excellent and rare case study in fuse plug spillway performance. A forensic evaluation was performed after the incident using a variety of evidence including aerial drone and cell phone videos that allowed for a uniquely detailed examination of the fuse plug operation. This investigation and a review of other known fuse plug operations and incidents provides insight into important design, construction, and maintenance considerations that impact fuse plug embankment performance.