Twin Branch is a gravity dam located on the St.
Wind
Humidity
Joseph River in Mishawaka, Indiana, with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. Constructed in 1903, this historic structure stands at a height of 41 feet and spans 946 feet in length, boasting a storage capacity of 10,000 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 37,600 cubic feet per second. The dam is equipped with seven Tainter (radial) gates for water regulation and has a surface area of 1,065 acres, serving a drainage area of 3,530 square miles.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Twin Branch presents a high hazard potential due to its age and condition assessment not being available. Despite its risk profile, the dam plays a crucial role in providing renewable energy and water resource management in the region. With no state jurisdiction or regulatory agency oversight, the responsibility for inspection and maintenance falls under federal jurisdiction, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and reliability of this vital infrastructure for both water resource and climate enthusiasts.
As a significant landmark in the region, Twin Branch serves as a reminder of the intersection between water resource management, climate resilience, and renewable energy production. Its historical significance, coupled with its high hazard potential, underscores the need for proactive risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and ongoing maintenance to safeguard both the dam's structural integrity and the surrounding ecosystem. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Twin Branch stands as a symbol of the ongoing efforts to balance the dual priorities of energy production and environmental stewardship in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1903 |
Dam Length |
946 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
St Joseph River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
1065 |
Hydraulic Height |
22.1 |
Drainage Area |
3530 |
Nid Storage |
10000 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 7 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
Juday Creek Near South Bend
|
7cfs |
St. Joseph River At Elkhart
|
1520cfs |
St. Joseph River At Niles
|
2050cfs |
Elkhart River At Goshen
|
170cfs |
Dowagiac River At Sumnerville
|
282cfs |
St. Joseph River At Mottville
|
891cfs |