Constantine
Constantine is a gravity dam located in St. Joseph County, Michigan, built in 1873. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Constantine
The primary purpose of Constantine 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 Indiana & Michigan Power Company (public utility). It impounds the St Joseph River near Constantine.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 1,515 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 525 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,750 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,543 square miles. Completed in 1873, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half 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 09/08/2022.
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 | St. Joseph |
| Nearest City | Constantine |
| River/Stream | St Joseph River |
| Coordinates | 41.85000, -85.66670 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,515 ft |
| Year Completed | 1873 (153 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,750 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,750 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,750 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 525 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,543 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 21,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Indiana & Michigan Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/08/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00535 |
| Federal ID | MI00535 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |