French Hydro, located in Niles, Michigan, is a privately owned hydroelectric facility on the St.
Wind
Humidity
Joseph River. Completed in 1914, this Arch-type dam stands at 13 feet tall and stretches 321 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1,600 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, contributing to the renewable energy sources in the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, French Hydro is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure operational safety and environmental compliance. With a controlled spillway and a hazard potential rated as low, the facility has a very high risk assessment ranking, emphasizing the importance of risk management measures. The dam's normal storage capacity is 610 acre-feet, serving as a vital resource for water supply and flood control in the area.
Despite its age, French Hydro continues to play a significant role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its strategic location and operational efficiency, this hydroelectric facility stands as a testament to sustainable energy practices and responsible water usage in the region.
Year Completed |
1914 |
Dam Length |
321 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
St Joseph River |
Primary Dam Type |
Arch |
Surface Area |
110 |
Drainage Area |
3666 |
Nid Storage |
1600 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
St. Joseph River At Niles
|
2050cfs |
Juday Creek Near South Bend
|
7cfs |
Dowagiac River At Sumnerville
|
282cfs |
Galien River Near Sawyer
|
38cfs |
St. Joseph River At Elkhart
|
1520cfs |
Paw Paw River At Riverside
|
368cfs |