Ripon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ripon, also known as Gothic Mill Pond, is a local government-owned water resource located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.


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Summary

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Ripon serves primarily for recreational purposes and was completed in 1860. The earth dam, standing at 10 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 8 feet, spans a length of 300 feet and has a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet.

With a spillway width of 45 feet and a maximum discharge of 720 cubic feet per second, Ripon poses a significant hazard potential, prompting inspections every three years. Despite being classified as very high risk, the condition assessment of the dam is deemed satisfactory as per the latest inspection in January 2020. The dam's location on Silver Creek and its controlled spillway design add to its unique features, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore its historical significance and engineering marvel.

Years Modified

1890 - Other

Year Completed

1860

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SILVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

23.3

Nid Storage

180

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.