Lost Creek 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Lost Creek 4 is a local government-owned Earth dam located in Pepin, Wisconsin, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1959.


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Summary

This dam, with a height of 35 feet and a hydraulic height of 16 feet, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the tributary to Lost Creek. It has a normal storage capacity of 9 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 139 acre-feet, with a drainage area of 1.1 square miles and a maximum discharge of 106 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Lost Creek 4 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it spans a length of 520 feet with a surface area of 3 acres. The dam's inspection frequency is every 10 years, with the last inspection conducted in May 2015. The risk assessment for Lost Creek 4 is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk.

Overall, Lost Creek 4 is an essential infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area, with a history dating back to the late 1950s. Managed and regulated by the state, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. With a moderate risk assessment and fair condition, ongoing maintenance and monitoring are necessary to ensure the continued effectiveness and safety of Lost Creek 4 for years to come.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

Tributary to Lost Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

1.1

Nid Storage

139

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.