Berrien Springs Dam
Berrien Springs Dam is a gravity dam located in Berrien County, Michigan, built in 1908. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Berrien Springs Dam
The primary purpose of Berrien Springs 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 American Electric Power (private). It impounds the Saint Joseph River near Berrien Springs.
The dam stands 36 feet tall and stretches 1,425 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 600 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 6,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,081 square miles. Completed in 1908, 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 11/19/2019.
At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 83% 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 | Berrien |
| Nearest City | Berrien Springs |
| River/Stream | Saint Joseph River |
| Coordinates | 41.94500, -86.32833 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,425 ft |
| Year Completed | 1908 (118 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 6,400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 6,400 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 600 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,081 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 61,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | American Electric Power |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/19/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00538 |
| Federal ID | MI00538 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |