Minnie Lake Dam, located in Hesperia, Michigan, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the Forest Service for recreational purposes, such as fish and wildlife pond management.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1939, this earth-type dam stands at 8 feet high with a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 13 feet. The dam creates a storage capacity of 264 acre-feet with a normal storage of 69 acre-feet and a surface area of 28 acres.
Situated on Mena Creek, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of yet. Despite being inspected last in 2013, the dam meets state regulations and is regularly inspected by the regulatory agency. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 20 feet and can handle a maximum discharge of 1132 cubic feet per second.
Overall, Minnie Lake Dam provides essential water resource management and recreational opportunities in the Newaygo County area. Its moderate risk assessment and Federal ownership highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring this vital infrastructure for the benefit of both the environment and the local community.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
125 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
MENA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
28 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
9 |
Nid Storage |
264 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
Muskegon River Near Croton
|
1280cfs |
White River Near Whitehall
|
281cfs |
Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove
|
177cfs |
Bear Creek Near Muskegon
|
6cfs |
Pere Marquette River At Scottville
|
480cfs |
Muskegon River At Evart
|
412cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Minnie Pond
|
||
Minnie Pond Campground
|
||
Benton Lake Campground
|
||
Benton Lake
|
||
Diamond Lake Co Park
|
||
Indian Lake
|