Hesperia Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hesperia Dam, located in Oceana, Michigan, along the White River, is a significant earth dam completed in 1977 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 11 feet and a length of 328 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, offering a surface area of 50 acres for various water activities. The dam's controlled spillway width of 78 feet ensures the safe discharge of up to 3524 cubic feet per second during high flow events.

Managed by the local government, Hesperia Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE). The dam's condition has been assessed as fair, with a significant hazard potential, requiring inspections every four years to ensure public safety. Despite its age, Hesperia Dam remains a vital recreational asset in the community, attracting visitors for boating, fishing, and other water-related activities. The risk assessment for the dam indicates a very high risk level, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and management measures.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) preparedness status is unclear, with the last revision dating back to 1998. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the resilience and maintenance of dams like Hesperia Dam become increasingly crucial. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to advocate for the proper management and upkeep of these structures to ensure both public safety and environmental sustainability in the face of changing conditions.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

328

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

White River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

450

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

11
       
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.