Homestead Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Homestead Dam, also known as Homestead Hydro Plant Dam, is located in Elberta, Michigan along the Betsie River.


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Summary

Completed in 1979, this state-owned dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a tranquil spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. With a structural height of 14 feet and a hydraulic height of 13.4 feet, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 1800 acre-feet and a normal storage of 675 acre-feet.

The dam poses a significant hazard potential, but its condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in May 2016. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 59 feet, and the dam has a drainage area of 159 square miles. While the risk assessment categorizes the dam's risk as moderate, it is under the regulatory oversight of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE). The dam also falls within the jurisdiction of the state and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Homestead Dam provides not only a recreational space for visitors but also serves as a vital structure for water management along the Betsie River. As a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, the dam's features and operations offer insights into the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water systems. With its serene location and important role in managing water resources, Homestead Dam stands as a key landmark in Benzie, Michigan, showcasing the balance between human needs and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

110

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Betsie River

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

13.4

Drainage Area

159

Nid Storage

1800

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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.