Knights Creek 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Knights Creek 5 is a vital water resource structure located in Dunn, Wisconsin, designed by USDA NRCS to serve the purpose of debris control and flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1970, stands at a height of 34 feet and spans 570 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary to Knights Creek, this structure is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and efficacy.

With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of August 2019, Knights Creek 5 is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 80 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk rating, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting surrounding areas from potential flooding events. Managed by the local government and funded by the state, Knights Creek 5 serves as a key component of water resource management in the region and highlights the importance of proper infrastructure for climate resilience and disaster mitigation efforts.

Overall, Knights Creek 5 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of government agencies and designers in safeguarding water resources and communities against natural disasters. Through regular inspections, enforcement, and maintenance, this earth dam continues to fulfill its purpose of debris control and flood risk reduction, contributing to the overall resilience of the water infrastructure in Dunn, Wisconsin. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Knights Creek 5 play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our communities in the face of growing environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

570

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

Unnamed Trib to Knights Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

34
       
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.