Coon Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Coon Creek, located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is a recreational dam with a primary purpose of providing outdoor enjoyment for visitors.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans 700 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 1,200 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 563 acre-feet, Coon Creek offers a surface area of 75 acres and serves a drainage area of 45 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Coon Creek poses a very high risk due to its location and potential impact in case of a failure. Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in May 2020. While the dam meets state regulatory standards for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, there are no emergency action plans in place as of the latest data update in March 2021.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Coon Creek presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. With its controlled spillway and recreational focus, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing environmental stewardship with public enjoyment in managing water resources. As discussions around climate change and water management continue to evolve, Coon Creek serves as a case study for sustainable dam operation and risk assessment in an ever-changing world.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

Black Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

75

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

45

Nid Storage

1200

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.