Ford Manchester Dam, located in Manchester, Michigan, is a gravity dam on the River Raisin with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1940, the dam stands at a height of 26.5 feet and has a hydraulic height of 24.6 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 400 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 730 acre-feet and a drainage area of 149 square miles. The dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
With a spillway width of 80 feet and a maximum discharge of 3000 cubic feet per second, Ford Manchester Dam poses a high hazard potential, although its condition is currently assessed as fair. The dam's risk assessment is classified as moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. Despite these challenges, the dam continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities for the community, serving as a popular destination for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As climate change impacts water resources, the management and maintenance of dams like Ford Manchester Dam will become increasingly important to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
810 |
Dam Height |
26.5 |
River Or Stream |
River Raisin |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
45 |
Hydraulic Height |
24.6 |
Drainage Area |
149 |
Nid Storage |
730 |
Structural Height |
26.5 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
27 |
River Raisin Near Manchester
|
17cfs |
Mill Creek Near Dexter
|
31cfs |
Saline River Near Saline
|
21cfs |
River Raisin Near Adrian
|
119cfs |
Huron River At Ann Arbor
|
289cfs |
Malletts Creek At Ann Arbor
|
2cfs |