Parfrey Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Parfrey is a historic earth dam located in Richland Center, Wisconsin, completed in 1856 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

With a height of 19 feet and a hydraulic height of 11 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 290 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 189 square miles. The dam spans 450 feet in length and has a surface area of 39 acres, making it a significant feature on the Pine River.

Although rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for condition, Parfrey poses a very high risk due to its age and the lack of recent inspections. The dam is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) and has state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite its risk level, the dam has not been rated for condition assessment, emergency action planning, or risk management measures, highlighting the need for proactive maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and integrity of this historic structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Years Modified

1934 - Other

Year Completed

1856

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

PINE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

189

Nid Storage

290

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.