Whitford Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Whitford Lake Dam, located in Galesburg, Michigan, is a crucial water resource structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 7.7 feet and has a hydraulic height of 6.6 feet, with a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet and a surface area of 144 acres. The dam is situated on a tributary to the Kalamazoo River, providing essential water management for the region.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Whitford Lake Dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. The dam has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in October 2019. Despite its moderate risk assessment, adequate risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential dangers associated with the dam.

With its scenic location and recreational opportunities, Whitford Lake Dam offers not only a beautiful environment for visitors but also plays a pivotal role in water resource management within the Kalamazoo County area. As a well-maintained and regulated structure, it stands as a testament to the importance of effective dam infrastructure in sustaining the delicate balance of water resources and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

190

Dam Height

7.7

River Or Stream

Tributary to Kalamazoo River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

144

Hydraulic Height

6.6

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

500

Structural Height

7.7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.