Magruder Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Magruder is a privately owned dam located in Sauk, Wisconsin, primarily used for recreation and flood risk reduction along a tributary to Plum Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1970 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 29 feet high and spans 435 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition according to a 2018 assessment, highlighting the need for maintenance and updates to ensure its safety and longevity.

The dam is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in 2009. While the risk assessment for Magruder is moderate, with a rating of 3, there are no specific risk management measures in place as of the latest data update in May 2021. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, there is a clear opportunity to advocate for improved maintenance and emergency preparedness for this vital infrastructure to protect both the environment and the surrounding community from potential risks and hazards.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

435

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

U/N tributary to Plum Cr.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
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.