Elsie Dam
May 6, 2024
Elsie Dam, located in Bannister, Michigan, is a concrete structure built in 1840 on the Maple River. The dam stands at a height of 12.7 meters and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 2455 cubic feet per second, the dam covers a surface area of 32 acres and is part of a drainage area spanning 191.5 square kilometers.
Despite its low hazard potential, Elsie Dam has been assessed as unsatisfactory in terms of its condition, with the last inspection conducted in October 2017. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 130 feet and has not undergone significant modifications in recent years. Its risk assessment is classified as moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Elsie Dam an intriguing site to study, given its historical significance, design characteristics, and the environmental impact it has on the Maple River ecosystem. As one of Michigan's regulated dams, Elsie Dam serves as a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of water management, recreational activities, and infrastructure maintenance in the context of changing climate patterns and hydrological dynamics.
| Year_Completed | 1840 |
| Dam_Height | 12.7 |
| River_Or_Stream | Maple River |
| Dam_Length | 231 |
| Primary_Dam_Type | Concrete |
| Surface_Area | 32 |
| Hydraulic_Height | 12.7 |
| Drainage_Area | 191.5 |
| Nid_Storage | 80 |
| Structural_Height | 12.7 |
| Hazard_Potential | Low |
| Nid_Height | 13 |
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