Sticht Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Sticht, Craig is a privately owned dam located in Pierce, Wisconsin, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or serving as a small fish pond.


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Summary

Constructed in 1974, this earth dam stands at 29.1 feet high and has a storage capacity of 31.6 acre-feet. The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) and is subject to regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Situated in a tributary to Rush River, Sticht, Craig has a low hazard potential and has been assessed to be in fair condition as of May 2016. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is deemed to have some level of risk but is manageable through appropriate risk management measures. While it has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections every 10 years help to monitor its condition and ensure that any necessary maintenance or repairs are promptly addressed. In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and contacts are currently unspecified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sticht, Craig presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in Wisconsin that serves multiple purposes, from fire protection to creating a habitat for small fish. With its regulated status and regular inspections, this earth dam offers insights into the management and maintenance of water infrastructure in rural areas. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam's low hazard potential and fair condition suggest that it continues to provide valuable services while being closely monitored for any potential issues that may arise.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

355

Dam Height

29.1

River Or Stream

Tributary to Rush River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

31.6

Structural Height

29.1

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.