Buchanan Reservoir Report
Nearby: French Paper Company Dam French Hydro
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Buchanan is a hydroelectric dam located in Berrien Springs, Michigan, along the St Joseph River.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1895, this gravity dam stands at 23 feet high with a hydraulic height of 13.3 feet, serving the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. With a normal storage capacity of 3,895 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 36,814 cubic feet per second, Buchanan plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by a public utility, Buchanan is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and undergoes inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 387 feet and features outlet gates including bascule and slide gates. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of Buchanan is currently not available, indicating a need for further evaluation and risk management measures to ensure its long-term viability in the face of climate change and increasing water resource demands.
As a historic structure with significant implications for water resource management and climate resilience, Buchanan stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure development. Through regular inspections, risk assessments, and proactive risk management measures, this hydroelectric dam can continue to contribute to the region's energy needs while safeguarding the surrounding environment and communities from potential hazards. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Buchanan serves as a case study in the intersection of infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1895 |
Dam Length |
1170 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
St Joseph River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
423 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.3 |
Drainage Area |
4037 |
Nid Storage |
3895 |
Outlet Gates |
Bascule - 3, Slide (sluice gate) - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
St. Joseph River At Niles
|
2050cfs |
Dowagiac River At Sumnerville
|
282cfs |
Juday Creek Near South Bend
|
7cfs |
Galien River Near Sawyer
|
38cfs |
St. Joseph River At Elkhart
|
1520cfs |
Paw Paw River At Riverside
|
368cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Buchanan
River Front Drive Buchanan
Plym Park
Niles Township Community Park
Madeline Bertrand Park
Indian Fields Grove
Clay Township Park