Spring Creek

SPRING CREEK· Portage, Wisconsin· Built 1854· Gravity· 13 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Spring Creek is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1854 and is 172 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 13 ft (taller than 35.2% in WI)
Dam Length60 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage120 acre-ft
Normal Storage60 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area17 sq mi
Year Completed1854 (172 years old)
NID IDWI00177

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: June 14, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Spring Creek Land and Power, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Spring Creek?

Spring Creek 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 Spring Creek?

Spring Creek is owned by Spring Creek Land and Power, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Spring Creek built?

Spring Creek was completed in 1854, making it 172 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 Spring Creek?

Spring Creek 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 Spring Creek?

Spring Creek has a dam height of 13 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 Spring Creek last inspected?

Spring Creek was last inspected on June 14, 2015. 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.