Summary
The dam stands at 18 feet high with a hydraulic height of 12 feet, providing a storage capacity of 700 acre-feet and a drainage area of 15.7 square miles. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 60 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 3460 cubic feet per second.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, the dam poses a high hazard potential and is categorized as a very high risk (1) structure. The last inspection was conducted in July 2019, with an inspection frequency of every two years. The State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) regulates the dam and ensures its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. With its rich history and importance for recreation, Hortonville's Black Otter Creek dam serves as a vital water resource in the region, while also highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures.
Year Completed |
1915 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
BLACK OTTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
75 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
15.7 |
Nid Storage |
700 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wolf River At New London
|
1050cfs |
Fox River At Appleton
|
3390cfs |
Little Wolf River At Royalton
|
-999999cfs |
Waupaca River Near Waupaca
|
431cfs |
Fox River At Oshkosh
|
1190cfs |
East River At Ct Highway Zz Near Greenleaf
|
1cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Hortonville
Wolf River -- Hwy X Boat Launch - New London