Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Barton Dam stands as a critical water resource infrastructure responsible for the primary purpose of water supply.
Wind
Humidity
Constructed in 1913 and designed by Gardner S. Williams, this earth dam spans a length of 1767 feet and reaches a height of 24 feet, with a hydraulic height of 20.5 feet. The dam's reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 5040 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 7298 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 728 square miles.
Barton Dam not only ensures water supply but also supports hydropower generation and recreational activities along the Huron River. With a hazard potential rated as high and a risk assessment of 2, the dam's safety measures and regulatory oversight fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The dam boasts ten Tainter radial gates for water control and has a spillway width of 207 feet. Despite its high risk designation, Barton Dam plays a crucial role in water management within the region.
As a cornerstone of water supply infrastructure in Washtenaw County, Barton Dam symbolizes both the challenges and opportunities presented by managing water resources in a changing climate. Its historical significance, coupled with its ongoing maintenance and risk management efforts, highlight the delicate balance between harnessing water for human needs and protecting communities from potential hazards. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Barton Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety in the face of evolving hydrological conditions.
Year Completed |
1913 |
Dam Length |
1767 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
Huron River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
315 |
Hydraulic Height |
20.5 |
Drainage Area |
728 |
Nid Storage |
7298 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 10 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Huron River At Ann Arbor
|
289cfs |
Malletts Creek At Ann Arbor
|
2cfs |
Mill Creek Near Dexter
|
31cfs |
Huron River Near Hamburg
|
146cfs |
Saline River Near Saline
|
21cfs |
Huron River Near New Hudson
|
105cfs |