Traver Lake Dam #5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Traver Creek Retention Dam Barton Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Traver Lake Dam #5, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was completed in 1971 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans 440 feet along the Middle Branch Traver Creek. With a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres, the dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 270 feet to manage water flow effectively.
Despite being categorized as low hazard potential and not yet rated for condition assessment, the dam poses a very high risk due to its age and lack of recent inspections. The structure, owned privately, is not regulated or inspected by the state, raising concerns about its safety and maintenance. With the risk management measures unclear and emergency preparedness status unknown, there is a pressing need for thorough evaluation and potential upgrades to ensure the dam's integrity and the safety of surrounding areas.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts should be aware of the critical importance of monitoring and maintaining aging dams like Traver Lake Dam #5 to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the environment and communities downstream. With the dam's location in a high-risk area and the lack of recent assessments, there is a need for increased oversight and proactive measures to address any vulnerabilities and ensure the long-term stability of the structure. As discussions around infrastructure resilience and climate adaptation continue, the attention to dams like Traver Lake Dam #5 becomes increasingly vital for sustainable water resource management.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
440 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
Middle Branch Traver Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Nid Storage |
41 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Traver Lake Dam #5
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