Wright Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wright, also known as Taliesin, is a private water resource located in Iowa, Wisconsin, along the Lowery Creek.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1912, serves a primary purpose of recreation and stands at a height of 13 feet with a length of 660 feet. Despite its historical significance, the dam is currently in poor condition with a low hazard potential, prompting concerns about its structural integrity and safety.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR), Wright is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure compliance with safety standards. The dam's storage capacity is 60 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 40 acre-feet and a surface area of 10 acres. The spillway type is uncontrolled, and the dam's risk assessment categorizes it as moderate, indicating potential risks associated with its current condition.

Given its poor condition and moderate risk assessment, Wright's future maintenance and rehabilitation efforts are crucial to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of this historic water resource. Climate and water resource enthusiasts should monitor updates on the dam's condition, regulatory oversight, and any planned risk management measures to safeguard its long-term sustainability and functionality for recreational purposes.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

660

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Lowery Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

12

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.