Menasha Dam
Menasha Dam is a gravity dam located in Allegan County, Michigan, built in 1886. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Menasha Dam
The primary purpose of Menasha Dam 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 City Of Otsego (local government). It impounds the Kalamazoo River near Otsego.
The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 180 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 73 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 700 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,415 square miles. Completed in 1886, 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/03/2022.
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 | Allegan |
| Nearest City | Otsego |
| River/Stream | Kalamazoo River |
| Coordinates | 42.46320, -85.69240 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Length | 180 ft |
| Year Completed | 1886 (140 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 73 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,415 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | City of Otsego |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 11/03/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00522 |
| Federal ID | MI00522 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |