Pawlisch Reservoir Report

Nearby: Borge Walsh

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Pawlisch is a private earth dam located in Juneau, Wisconsin, with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

Built in 1970 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 22.4 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) and undergoes regular inspections, with its condition assessed as satisfactory as of March 2021. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Situated on the TR West Branch Big Creek, Pawlisch spans a length of 480 feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres, serving not only for flood risk reduction but also for fire protection purposes. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 70 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area falls within the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the dam is managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With a history of regular inspections and a low hazard potential, Pawlisch remains a crucial structure for water resource management in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pawlisch represents a significant infrastructure for maintaining water levels, controlling floods, and providing essential services like fire protection and stock management. Its location within the Juneau County landscape showcases the importance of private dams in rural areas and their role in supporting local ecosystems. With its moderate risk assessment and satisfactory condition, Pawlisch stands as a testament to effective dam management practices and the collaboration between private owners and state regulatory agencies in ensuring the safety and functionality of water structures.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

22.4

River Or Stream

TR WEST BRANCH BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

16.4

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

22.4

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
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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.