Adamsville Hydroelectric Dam
Adamsville Hydroelectric Dam is an earth dam located in Cass County, Michigan, built in 1865. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Adamsville Hydroelectric Dam
The primary purpose of Adamsville Hydroelectric Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Nibco, Inc. (private). It impounds the Christiana Creek near Adamsville (415).
The dam stands 11 feet tall and stretches 1,645 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 798 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,900 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 91 square miles. Completed in 1865, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/18/2020.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Michigan dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Cass |
| Nearest City | Adamsville (415) |
| River/Stream | Christiana Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.78333, -85.99667 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,645 ft |
| Year Completed | 1865 (161 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,900 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,900 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,590 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 798 acres |
| Drainage Area | 91 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,153 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Nibco, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/18/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00729 |
| Federal ID | MI00729 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |