Traver Creek Retention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Traver Creek Retention Dam in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was completed in 1981 and serves as a crucial structure to control the flow of the North Branch Traver Creek.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam stands at 13 feet high and spans 250 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 6 feet and a controlled spillway type, the dam has a low hazard potential but a very high risk assessment due to its age and condition not being rated.

Despite not being regulated or inspected by the state, the Traver Creek Retention Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area. Its strategic location within Washtenaw County ensures that it safeguards the surrounding environment and communities from potential flooding events. As climate change continues to impact the region, this retention dam proves to be an essential infrastructure for mitigating the risks associated with extreme weather conditions and ensuring water resource sustainability for years to come.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

N Br Traver Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.