Winnewana Dam, located in the Sugarloaf Lake Resort Area in Washtenaw, Michigan, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1956 primarily for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at a height of 12 feet with a hydraulic height of 10 feet, this dam boasts a length of 270 feet and a normal storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet. The dam's significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment make it a crucial structure to monitor and maintain.
Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), Winnewana Dam plays a vital role in the local water resource management system as it controls water flow in a tributary to the Portage River. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and moderate risk assessment, the dam has not undergone major modifications in recent years. Regular inspections every four years ensure that the dam continues to meet safety standards and operational requirements, with the last inspection conducted in June 2017.
With its picturesque location and essential function in the region's water infrastructure, Winnewana Dam serves as both a recreational hotspot and a critical component of flood control measures. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of this dam are essential to safeguarding the surrounding community and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
270 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
Tributary to Portage River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
280 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
1.8 |
Nid Storage |
1560 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
12 |
Mill Creek Near Dexter
|
31cfs |
River Raisin Near Manchester
|
17cfs |
Grand River At Jackson
|
63cfs |
Huron River Near Hamburg
|
146cfs |
Huron River At Ann Arbor
|
289cfs |
Malletts Creek At Ann Arbor
|
2cfs |