Poplar River #1

BRICK CREEK· Clark, Wisconsin· Built 1978· Gravity· 26 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

Poplar River #1 is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1978 and is 48 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 26 ft (taller than 73.4% in WI)
Dam Length5,055 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage9.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.2K acre-ft
Surface Area280 acres
Drainage Area12 sq mi
Max Discharge220 cfs
Year Completed1978 (48 years old)
NID IDWI01116

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 9, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Clark County

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Poplar River #1?

Poplar River #1 is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Poplar River #1?

Poplar River #1 is owned by Clark County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Poplar River #1 built?

Poplar River #1 was completed in 1978, making it 48 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 Poplar River #1?

Poplar River #1 serves the following purposes: Recreation, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Poplar River #1?

Poplar River #1 has a dam height of 26 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 Poplar River #1 last inspected?

Poplar River #1 was last inspected on March 9, 2021. 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.