White Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kerr Upper Dam Wheeler Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
White Lake Dam, also known as Barnes Dam, is a private structure located in Mesick, Michigan.
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Summary
Completed in 1973, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 11 acres and a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to Adams Creek, the dam has a height of 20 feet and a length of 250 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 75 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE).
The dam's spillway, measuring 12 feet in width, is uncontrolled, allowing excess water to flow out during periods of high inflow. The risk assessment for White Lake Dam is moderate, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) of 3. The last inspection was conducted in August 2016, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years. While the dam currently meets guidelines for emergency action plans (EAPs) and inundation maps, there is no information available regarding the preparation or revision of these critical documents.
White Lake Dam represents a crucial piece of infrastructure for the community of Mesick, offering recreational opportunities and contributing to the local water resource management. With its regulated status and regular inspections, the dam remains a safe and reliable asset, ensuring the protection of downstream areas from potential flooding events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of structures like White Lake Dam in maintaining a sustainable and resilient environment is essential for promoting the long-term health and stability of our water systems.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
Tributary to Adams Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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