Hart, Michigan – Water surging over the Hesperia Dam spillway is pushing the White River toward a potential failure point, creating an urgent flash flood risk across Oceana County through Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, water levels remain dangerously high, with flow already exceeding the spillway and threatening to overtop the dam structure itself. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect as officials warn that any structural compromise could send water rapidly downstream with little warning.
Emergency management reports indicate 1 to 2 inches of upstream rainfall is now moving through the river system, keeping levels elevated and increasing pressure on the dam. Areas downstream of Hesperia, including low-lying roads and neighborhoods toward Hart, are most vulnerable to sudden flooding.
Flooding from rainfall alone remains a concern through late tonight, especially in poor drainage areas and along small creeks feeding into the White River. Drivers should avoid water-covered roads, particularly near low bridges, and residents near the river should prepare for quick changes by securing property and monitoring alerts.
Officials continue to monitor the dam closely, and conditions may shift rapidly overnight. Additional warnings could be issued at any time through Friday morning as water levels respond to ongoing runoff.
