Elsie Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elsie Dam, located in Bannister, Michigan, is a concrete structure built in 1840 on the Maple River.


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Summary

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 Length

231

Dam Height

12.7

River Or Stream

Maple River

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
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.