Cambridge Lake Outlet Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cambridge Lake Outlet, also known as Cambridge Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Lenawee County, Michigan.


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Summary

Built in 1952, this gravity dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, with a normal storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 7 feet, with a hydraulic height of 3.9 feet, and spans a length of 100 feet.

Situated on Wolf Creek in Springville, the Cambridge Lake Outlet features a controlled spillway with a width of 13 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 450 cubic feet per second. The dam boasts a low hazard potential and has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in March 2020. Despite not being regulated by the state, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a drainage area of 3.1 square miles and a surface area of 57 acres.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Cambridge Lake Outlet to be a fascinating example of how private infrastructure can contribute to recreational activities while also serving practical purposes in water management. With its historical significance and continued functionality, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and inspecting such structures to ensure public safety and environmental sustainability in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

Wolf Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

57

Hydraulic Height

3.9

Drainage Area

3.1

Nid Storage

220

Structural Height

7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

7
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.