Wolverine Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wolverine Lake Dam, located in Oakland County, Michigan, serves as a crucial structure for recreation purposes in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1925, the dam stands at a height of 15 feet and stretches 800 feet in length. It boasts a storage capacity of 1560 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 960 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 241 acres.

Managed by the local government, the Wolverine Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Despite being assessed as in fair condition during the last inspection in 2016, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating. This underscores the importance of regular maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding community and environment.

The dam features a controlled spillway type with a width of 15 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 260 cubic feet per second. With its strategic location as a tributary to the Huron River, the Wolverine Lake Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area. Enthusiasts and stakeholders in water resources and climate issues can appreciate the significance of this structure in balancing recreational needs with safety and environmental considerations.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Trib to Huron River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

241

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

4.1

Nid Storage

1560

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.