Westdale Family Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Ada, Michigan, the Westdale Family Dam, also known as the Honey Creek Dam, was completed in 1974 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This private earth dam spans 275 feet in length and stands at a height of 21 feet, offering a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water activities. With a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, the dam serves as a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other leisurely pursuits, attracting visitors from the surrounding Kent County area.

Situated on a tributary to Honey Creek, this dam is regulated by the state of Michigan and falls under the jurisdiction of the Chicago District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the Westdale Family Dam has not been recently inspected or assessed for its condition. While it has not been deemed a significant concern, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not currently up-to-date, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and longevity of this recreational structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Westdale Family Dam offers a picturesque setting to appreciate the intersection of human infrastructure with natural waterways. As a privately owned recreational dam, it provides a valuable space for outdoor recreation while also serving as a reminder of the importance of responsible dam management and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of both visitors and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

275

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Tributary to Honey Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

53

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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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.