Three Rivers
Three Rivers is a gravity dam located in St. Joseph County, Michigan, built in 1917. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Three Rivers
The primary purpose of Three Rivers 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 Grande Pointe Power (private). It impounds the St Joseph River near Three Rivers.
The dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 1,321 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 601 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 902 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 985 square miles. Completed in 1917, 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 08/30/2022.
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 | Three Rivers |
| River/Stream | St Joseph River |
| Coordinates | 41.94090, -85.62500 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Length | 1321.5 ft |
| Year Completed | 1917 (109 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 902 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 902 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 902 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 601 acres |
| Drainage Area | 985 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 22,500 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Grande Pointe Power |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/30/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00395 |
| Federal ID | MI00395 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |