Ford Manchester Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ford Manchester Dam, located in Manchester, Michigan, is a gravity dam on the River Raisin with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

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
       
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.