Lake Adrian Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Lake Adrian Dam, also known as Wolf Creek Dam or Bent Oak Dam, is a gravity dam located in Lenawee County, Michigan.


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Summary

Completed in 1942, the dam serves as a vital water supply source for the city of Adrian. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 620 feet, Lake Adrian Dam has a storage capacity of 1,500 acre-feet and a drainage area of 73.7 square miles.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Lake Adrian Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential. Despite this, the dam is considered to be in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection in January 2021. The spillway, which is controlled and 70 feet wide, can discharge a maximum of 2,500 cubic feet per second in case of excess water flow.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts will be intrigued by Lake Adrian Dam's strategic location on Wolf Creek and its role in providing essential water supply to the surrounding area. The dam's historical significance, combined with its high hazard potential and risk assessment rating of "Very High (1)", make it a critical structure to monitor and maintain for the safety and sustainability of the community it serves.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

620

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Wolf Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

86

Hydraulic Height

29.2

Drainage Area

73.7

Nid Storage

1500

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
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.