French Landing
French Landing is an earth dam located in Wayne County, Michigan, built in 1924. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About French Landing
The primary purpose of French Landing is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Huron River near New Boston.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 890 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,270 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 18,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 833 square miles. Completed in 1924, 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 08/03/2022.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% 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 | Wayne |
| Nearest City | New Boston |
| River/Stream | Huron River |
| Coordinates | 42.21440, -83.44080 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 890 ft |
| Year Completed | 1924 (102 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 18,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 18,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17,780 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,270 acres |
| Drainage Area | 833 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,278 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/03/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00557 |
| Federal ID | MI00557 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |