Owen City Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Owen City, located in Clark, Wisconsin, is home to the Owen City Dam on Brick Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1938 for recreational purposes, this gravity dam stands at 14 feet tall and spans 80 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. The dam's controlled spillway can handle a maximum discharge of 2500 cubic feet per second, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the Owen City Dam has a fair condition assessment as of May 2020. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its continued safe operation. With a risk assessment rating of Very High (1), measures for risk management and emergency action planning are crucial for mitigating potential hazards associated with the dam.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Owen City offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural waterways. As a local government-owned structure, the Owen City Dam serves as a recreational asset while also posing challenges in terms of risk management and safety. Its presence on Brick Creek contributes to the unique landscape of the area, highlighting the importance of sound dam regulation and maintenance practices in preserving both the environment and public safety.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

80

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

BRICK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.