ELKHART, Ind. -- Indiana Michigan Power will begin an annual process of raising the water level upstream of the Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant to its Spring and Summer operating level. 

Beginning Monday, March 16, the reservoir level at the generating facility on the St. Joseph River will increase by approximately six inches per day over four days.

The reservoir will rise from 739.5 feet above sea level to 741.5 feet.

The reservoir was lowered two feet in December 2025 to reduce ice buildup.

Residents who live within eight miles upstream of the facility, should complete work or cleanup activities before Monday, March 16 along the riverbank.

The Elkhart Hydroelectric Facility has been in operation since 1913 and has a capacity of 3.44 megawatts.

It is one of six run-of-river hydroelectric plants on the St. Joseph River that Indiana Michigan Power owns and operates.