Wakeley Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wakeley Lake Dam, located in Crawford County, Michigan, serves as a vital reservoir for Wakeley Creek, with a primary purpose of maintaining fish and wildlife populations.
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Summary
Owned and operated by the USDA Forest Service, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 9 feet and spans 700 feet in length, completed in 1991. With a storage capacity of 693 acre-feet, the dam also provides recreational opportunities and covers a surface area of 149 acres.
Despite being classified as low hazard potential, Wakeley Lake Dam is rated as Very High (1) in terms of risk assessment. The dam features a controlled spillway type and has a normal storage capacity of 373 acre-feet, with a drainage area of 3 square miles. While the dam's condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," it undergoes inspections every 10 years, with the last inspection conducted in July 2015. Although there are no associated structures or emergency action plan in place, the dam remains a critical component for the local ecosystem and water resource management.
Situated in the Detroit District and surrounded by picturesque landscapes, Wakeley Lake Dam stands as a testament to sustainable water resource practices. With its foundation resting on soil and core composed of stone, this dam exemplifies the harmony between human infrastructure and natural habitats. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the preservation and maintenance of Wakeley Lake Dam symbolize the delicate balance required to safeguard our environment for future generations.
Year Completed |
1991 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
WAKELEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
149 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
693 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Wakeley Lake Area
White Pine Canoe Camp
Kneff Lake Campground
Keystone Landing State Forest Campground
4-Mile Trail Camp
Burton's Landing State Forest Campground
Wakeley Lake Dam