Cruson Slough dam
Cruson Slough
Cruson Slough is a fascinating water resource located in Richland, Wisconsin, along the TR-Wisconsin River. This state-regulated area is primarily used for recreation, offering visitors a peaceful escape in a natural setting. The slough features an earth dam with a height of 7 feet and a length of 300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet and a surface area of 80 acres.
Despite its recreational value, Cruson Slough is facing some challenges. The dam is classified as having a low hazard potential but is in poor condition according to a 2011 assessment. The area poses a very high risk, making it vital for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection. The last inspection took place in 2011, with an inspection frequency of 10 years, highlighting the need for updated assessments and risk management measures.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cruson Slough presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of human intervention and natural ecosystems. As efforts continue to maintain and improve this area, there is a chance for researchers and enthusiasts to study the impact of infrastructure on water resources and the environment. By understanding and addressing the challenges facing Cruson Slough, we can work towards creating a sustainable and resilient future for this unique water resource.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Cruson Slough -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin River At Muscoda | 10,400 cfs | → |
| Black Earth Creek At Black Earth | 51 cfs | → |
| Brewery Creek-Upstream Site-At Cross Plains | 2 cfs | → |
| Kickapoo River At Steuben | 631 cfs | → |
| Kickapoo River At La Farge | 250 cfs | → |
| East Br Pecatonica River Near Blanchardville | 183 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Cruson Slough.
Boat launches
- Cruson Slough -- Lone Rock Unit #1
- Smith Slough -- Lone Rock Unit #2
- Long Lake -- Access
- Wisconsin River -- Buena Vista Boat Landing
- Wisconsin River -- Otter Creek Landing
- Avoca Lake -- Landing
Campgrounds
- Avoca Lakeside City Campground
- Victoria Riverside Park - Muscoda
- Muscoda Campground
- Tower Hill State Park
- Tower Hill State Park Campground
- Blackhawk Lake Rec Area - Highland
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Lone Rock To The Confluence Of The Green And Wisconsin Rivers
- Honey Creek (County Road Y On The Southern Bank) To The State Route 130 Highway Bridge Crossing At Lone Rock
- The Big Green River To The River's Mouth At The Mississippi River
- Western Boundary Of Effigy Mounds National Monument To Boundary Of Effigy Mounds National Monument
Track Cruson Slough in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Cruson Slough
Where does the data for Cruson Slough come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Cruson Slough.