French Landing Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

French Landing is a historic hydroelectric dam located in New Boston, Michigan, along the Huron River.


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Summary

Built in 1924, this gravity dam stands at 38 feet tall and spans 890 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 25,000 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation and recreational activities, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike to its picturesque surroundings.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, French Landing poses a high hazard potential due to its age and structural characteristics. Despite this, the condition assessment is not available, highlighting the need for regular inspections and risk management measures. The dam features two drum outlet gates and a spillway width of 247 feet, ensuring efficient water discharge during peak flows. With a drainage area of 833 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 24,278 cubic feet per second, French Landing plays a crucial role in regulating water flow along the Huron River.

Although not state-regulated, French Landing remains a key landmark in Wayne County, Michigan, under the jurisdiction of the Buffalo District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam's historical significance, combined with its operational importance for hydroelectric power generation and water management, underscores the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

890

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

Huron River

Surface Area

1270

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

833

Nid Storage

25000

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Drum - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.