Hodder Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hodder Dam, formerly known as Herpolsheimer and Foltz Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Riley Center, Michigan.


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Summary

Built in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 550 feet along the Belle River. Its primary purpose is for recreation, providing a storage capacity of 320 acre-feet and a normal storage of 240 acre-feet. The dam's low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment make it a safe and reliable resource for the local community.

Managed by the Michigan DEGLE, Hodder Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and functionality. With a controlled spillway width of 66 feet and a maximum discharge of 1,340 cubic feet per second, the dam is designed to mitigate flood risks in the area. Despite its very high risk assessment rating, the dam has not been modified in recent years and meets the necessary guidelines for emergency action plans and inundation maps.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hodder Dam serves as a vital recreational asset in Lapeer County, Michigan. With its location in a picturesque natural setting and its role in flood control and water storage, the dam represents a harmonious blend of human engineering and environmental stewardship. Its design and management by state authorities ensure that it continues to provide essential services to the local community while minimizing risks and maximizing safety for all stakeholders involved.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Belle River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

17

Nid Storage

320

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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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.