Scotts Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Scotts Mill Dam, located in Adams Park, Michigan, is a historic earth dam completed in 1859 along the Cook Drain river.


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Summary

With a height of 19.2 feet and a length of 314 feet, the dam primarily serves recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 8 acres and a drainage area of 6.8 square miles. The dam has a significant hazard potential and was last assessed to be in fair condition in 2017.

Managed by local government authorities, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Michigan DEGLE. Despite its age, the dam continues to offer water recreation opportunities with a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet and a normal storage of 55 acre-feet. The dam's spillway width of 12 feet and a maximum discharge of 480 cubic feet per second ensure proper water flow control.

With Fred Upton as the local congressional representative, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. While Scotts Mill Dam has stood the test of time for over a century, its maintenance and upkeep remain critical to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1859

Dam Length

314

Dam Height

19.2

River Or Stream

Cook Drain

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

19.2

Drainage Area

6.8

Nid Storage

75

Structural Height

19.2

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
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.