Hesperia Dam, located in Oceana, Michigan, along the White River, is a significant earth dam completed in 1977 primarily for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
White River Near Whitehall
|
258cfs |
Muskegon River Near Croton
|
1260cfs |
Bear Creek Near Muskegon
|
6cfs |
Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove
|
164cfs |
Pere Marquette River At Scottville
|
459cfs |
Rogue River Near Rockford
|
126cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Pines Point
|
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Minnie Pond
|
||
Minnie Pond Campground
|
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Fremont Lake City Park
|
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Benton Lake Campground
|
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Benton Lake
|