Jordan

BIG PLOVER· Portage, Wisconsin· Built 1850· Gravity· 17 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Jordan is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1850 and is 176 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 53.1% in WI)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage470 acre-ft
Normal Storage298 acre-ft
Surface Area83 acres
Drainage Area148 sq mi
Max Discharge1,850 cfs
Year Completed1850 (176 years old)
NID IDWI00025

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 9, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Portage County

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Jordan?

Jordan is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Jordan?

Jordan is owned by Portage County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Jordan built?

Jordan was completed in 1850, making it 176 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Jordan?

Jordan serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Jordan?

Jordan has a dam height of 17 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Jordan last inspected?

Jordan was last inspected on May 9, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.