Curtis Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Columbia, Wisconsin, the Curtis dam serves as a crucial water resource for the area, specifically along TR Duck Creek.


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Summary

Owned privately and regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 290 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 370 cubic feet per second. Completed in 1964, the dam primarily serves recreational purposes and has a spillway type of controlled, with a spillway width of 36 feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Curtis dam is classified as having a very high risk due to its location and potential impact on the surrounding area. While the dam's condition remains unrated, it undergoes inspections every 10 years, with the last inspection dating back to November 2010. With a surface area of 39 acres and a drainage area of 1.4 square miles, the Curtis dam plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of this dam provides valuable insight into the intersection of infrastructure, natural resources, and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TR DUCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

290

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.