Adams Township Wastewater Facility Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Adams Township Wastewater Facility Dam is a crucial water resource structure located in Houghton, Michigan, along a tributary to the Pilgrim River.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and serves a primary purpose other than flood control or hydroelectric power generation. With a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, the dam is equipped with a controlled spillway to manage excess water flow and minimize the risk of flooding in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Adams Township Wastewater Facility Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections by the MICHIGAN DEGLE agency. The dam's condition remains unrated, and it has not undergone a formal assessment in recent years. However, its risk assessment categorizes it as having a very high risk level, indicating the need for proactive risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. With a designated emergency action plan in place, the dam is prepared to respond to potential emergencies and protect the surrounding community from any unforeseen events.

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

trib to Pilgrim River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

72

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.