Lake Templene Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Templene Dam, also known as Stesart Lake, is a private dam located in Centreville, Michigan.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1972, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans 850 feet in length. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam provides a storage capacity of 8,550 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 870 acres.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the dam is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the condition assessment in 2018 deemed the dam to be satisfactory. The controlled spillway, with a width of 285 feet, helps regulate the flow of the Prairie River, which the dam impounds.

Lake Templene Dam offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities. With its very high risk assessment rating, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential hazards in the St. Joseph County area. As climate change continues to impact water levels and extreme weather events, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Lake Templene becomes increasingly vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Prairie River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

870

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

111

Nid Storage

8550

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.