Adamsville Hydroelectric Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Big Wolf Tank Dam Antelope Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Adamsville Hydroelectric Dam, located in Cass, Michigan, along the Christiana Creek, is a remarkable structure with a long history dating back to its completion in 1865.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This privately owned dam serves the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, utilizing an earth design with a height of 10.7 meters and a length of 1645 meters. With a normal storage capacity of 1590 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1153 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
Despite its age, the Adamsville Hydroelectric Dam remains in satisfactory condition, as indicated by its last inspection in October 2020. The dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location and design, but it is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 121 feet to manage excess water flow. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, and it is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), ensuring that it meets all state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements to safeguard both the structure and the surrounding environment.
Overall, the Adamsville Hydroelectric Dam stands as a vital component of the local water infrastructure, providing renewable energy through hydroelectric power generation while also fulfilling its role in flood control and water storage. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a fascinating example of sustainable energy production and effective water management practices in the state of Michigan.
Year Completed |
1865 |
Dam Length |
1645 |
Dam Height |
10.7 |
River Or Stream |
Christiana Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
798 |
Hydraulic Height |
10.5 |
Drainage Area |
91.3 |
Nid Storage |
1900 |
Structural Height |
10.7 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
St. Joseph River At Elkhart
|
1520cfs |
St. Joseph River At Mottville
|
891cfs |
St. Joseph River At Niles
|
2050cfs |
Juday Creek Near South Bend
|
7cfs |
Dowagiac River At Sumnerville
|
282cfs |
Elkhart River At Goshen
|
170cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Millers Creek Dam
Simonton Lake Near Elkhart