White Cloud Dam
White Cloud Dam is an earth dam located in Newaygo County, Michigan, built in 1872. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About White Cloud Dam
The primary purpose of White Cloud Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by City Of White Cloud (local government). It impounds the White River near White Cloud.
The dam stands 19 feet tall and stretches 950 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 50 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 475 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 94 square miles. Completed in 1872, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/25/2022.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Michigan dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Newaygo |
| Nearest City | White Cloud |
| River/Stream | White River |
| Coordinates | 43.54639, -85.76704 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 950 ft |
| Year Completed | 1872 (154 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 475 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 475 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 280 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 50 acres |
| Drainage Area | 94 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | City of White Cloud |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 05/25/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00526 |
| Federal ID | MI00526 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |