Johnson Springs Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Johnson Springs is a federal-owned water resource located in Bayfield, Wisconsin, managed by the USDA Forest Service.


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Summary

The primary purpose of Johnson Springs is for recreation, with additional uses including fish and wildlife pond management. The earth dam, completed in 1969, stands at a height of 11 feet and has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, Johnson Springs presents a moderate risk level, with a spillway width of 6 feet and a maximum discharge of 50 cubic feet per second. The dam has not been inspected since August 2012, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 10 years. While its condition assessment is currently "Not Rated," the risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unclear. Water and climate enthusiasts interested in the conservation and management of water resources may find Johnson Springs to be a fascinating case study in recreational dam infrastructure.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

275

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

JOHNSON SPRINGS OUTLET

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

4

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.