Plain Honey Creek 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Plain Honey Creek 4, also known as Shanahan, is a local government-owned dam located in Plain, Wisconsin.


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Summary

Designed by USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Honey Creek. Completed in 1973, the dam stands at a height of 35.1 feet and has a length of 1160 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 800 acre-feet.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Plain Honey Creek 4 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. Despite being classified as having low hazard potential, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition as of May 2020. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in April 2019, while it meets state guidelines for emergency preparedness.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed information available for Plain Honey Creek 4, including its construction details, regulatory oversight, and risk assessment. The dam plays a critical role in managing flood risks along the Honey Creek, highlighting the importance of infrastructure for water resource management in the region. With its low hazard potential and fair condition, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of this vital flood control structure in Sauk County, Wisconsin.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

1160

Dam Height

35.1

River Or Stream

Honey Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

800

Structural Height

35.1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

35
       
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.