Panis Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Panis, Joe Jr.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

is a privately-owned dam located in Wisconsin, specifically in Dickinson, Michigan near the TR Spikehorn Creek. Built in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 17 feet high and has a hydraulic height of 7 feet. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam offers a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres. It has a drainage area of 1.3 square miles and a maximum discharge of 50 cubic feet per second.

Despite its recreational significance, Panis, Joe Jr. poses a high hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment and last underwent inspection in October 2012. It is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and falls under state jurisdiction with permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. Additionally, the dam lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, raising concerns about its emergency preparedness and risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Panis, Joe Jr. presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of infrastructure, environmental regulation, and public safety. Understanding the complexities of managing a privately-owned dam like Panis, Joe Jr. can shed light on the challenges of balancing recreational benefits with potential hazards and the importance of robust risk assessment and emergency preparedness protocols in safeguarding communities and water resources.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR SPIKEHORN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

1.3

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
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.