Winding Creek Rearing Pond Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Winding Creek Rearing Pond, located in Marathon, Wisconsin, is a state-owned earth dam structure completed in 1970 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a hydraulic height of 18 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 420 acre-feet. The pond covers a surface area of 70 acres and has a maximum discharge rate of 1100 cubic feet per second.
Despite its fair condition assessment as of October 2015, Winding Creek Rearing Pond poses a significant hazard potential, with a very high risk rating of 1. The dam has an inspection frequency of 3 years, with the last inspection conducted in November 2019. The regulatory oversight of this structure falls under the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR), which handles permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam.
As a key component in the management of water resources and climate-related concerns, the Winding Creek Rearing Pond plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while also contributing to flood control and water storage in the region. With its controlled spillway and associated structures, the dam serves as a vital asset for the community, highlighting the importance of responsible stewardship and ongoing maintenance to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
2000 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
WINDING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
70 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
910 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Eau Pleine River At Stratford
|
27cfs |
Rib River At Rib Falls
|
60cfs |
Black River At Neillsville
|
193cfs |
Wisconsin River At Rothschild
|
1960cfs |
Eau Claire River At Kelly
|
280cfs |
Wisconsin River At Merrill
|
1930cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Winding Creek Rearing Pond