Hardacre Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hardacre Dam, located in Leota, Michigan, along Bear Creek, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1976, the earth dam stands at 8 feet tall and spans 125 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 210 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) and undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its low hazard potential, Hardacre Dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its location and potential impact on the surrounding area. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 3 feet, and has a maximum discharge capacity of 90 cubic feet per second. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, it is subject to regular inspections every five years to monitor any changes in its structural integrity.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hardacre Dam serves as a notable example of a privately owned recreational structure that plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Roscommon County area. With its regulated status, regular inspections, and high risk rating, the dam underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure to ensure the safety of both the dam itself and the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Bear Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

31

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

11.5

Nid Storage

210

Structural Height

8

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.