Argo Dam
Argo Dam is a gravity dam located in Washtenaw County, Michigan, built in 1920. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Argo Dam
The primary purpose of Argo Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by City Of Ann Arbor (local government). It impounds the Huron River near Ann Arbor.
The dam stands 18 feet tall and stretches 1,888 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 92 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 735 square miles. Completed in 1920, the structure is over a century old.
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 07/31/2019.
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 | Washtenaw |
| Nearest City | Ann Arbor |
| River/Stream | Huron River |
| Coordinates | 42.29059, -83.74550 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,888 ft |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 929 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 92 acres |
| Drainage Area | 735 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,930 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | City of Ann Arbor |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/31/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00559 |
| Federal ID | MI00559 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |