EDENVILLE - MI00549-3511
Dam Name: EDENVILLE
State: MI
Downstream Hazard Potential: H
Incident Type: Failure
Incident Date: 05/19/2020
Incident Driver: Hydrologic/Flooding
Incident Mechanism 1: Slope Stability
Incident Mechanism 2High Reservoir Level
Incident Mechanism 3
Incident IDMI00549-3511
Incident DescriptionIn the IFT’s opinion, the most plausible principal mechanism for the failure of Edenville Dam, supported by strong evidence, is static liquefaction (flow) instability of saturated, loose sands in the downstream section of the embankment. The record lake level at the time of the failure and the duration of high water levels almost certainly contributed to the static liquefaction instability failure.
Named Hydrologic Event
EAP Enacted (Y/N) due to IncidentYes
Fatalities (Number)0
Number of People Evacuated10000
Number of Habitable Structures Evacuated3000
Number of Habitable Structures Flooded3000
Other Infrastructure ImpactsDams Downstream
Economic Damages (in $)over $100 million
ResponseSee IFT Report
Volume released at failure (ac-ft)66200
Additional Remarks or UpdatesAccording to the 2020 major disaster declaration request by the State (Michigan 2020), the damage across
a five-county area was estimated at roughly $190 million in losses for residents. Over 3,000 homes were
affected, and there was $55 million in damage to public infrastructure.
a five-county area was estimated at roughly $190 million in losses for residents. Over 3,000 homes were
affected, and there was $55 million in damage to public infrastructure.
Owner TypeP
Dam TypePGRE
Primary Purpose(s)CH
EAPY
Dam Height54 ft
Max Storage (ac-ft)66200.00
Surface Area (acres)2600.00
Year Completed1925
NID NumberMI00549
River NameTITTAWABASSEE RIVER
Latitude43.8142
Longitude-84.3769
Year Modified
Regulatory Agency(ies)MICHIGAN DEQ
Incident Time
Incident Duration
Incident Report ProducedYes
Information Sources2022 IFT Report
