Buchanan
Buchanan is a gravity dam located in Berrien County, Michigan, built in 1895. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Buchanan
The primary purpose of Buchanan 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 Berrien Springs.
The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 1,170 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 423 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,895 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,037 square miles. Completed in 1895, 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 09/07/2022.
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 | Berrien |
| Nearest City | Berrien Springs |
| River/Stream | St Joseph River |
| Coordinates | 41.83910, -86.35120 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,170 ft |
| Year Completed | 1895 (131 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,895 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,895 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,895 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 423 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,037 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 36,814 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Indiana & Michigan Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/07/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00157 |
| Federal ID | MI00157 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |