Whiting Plover Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Whiting Plover, also known as Lower Paper Mill, is a privately owned dam located in Portage, Wisconsin.


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Summary

Built in 1850, this gravity dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans 896 feet, with a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a drainage area of 5134 acres. While its primary purpose is recreation, the dam also serves as a water resource for the surrounding area.

Despite its age, Whiting Plover has been well maintained, with inspections conducted every 10 years and a fair condition assessment as of May 2020. The dam has a low hazard potential but is considered to have a very high risk due to its location and potential impact in case of failure. The regulatory oversight by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ensures that the dam meets safety standards and poses minimal risk to the environment and communities downstream.

Whiting Plover's historical significance, combined with its recreational and water resource value, makes it an important structure in the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, maintaining and updating dams like Whiting Plover will be crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water systems.

Years Modified

1951 - Other

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

896

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

WISCONSIN

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

57

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

5134

Nid Storage

600

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

13
       
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.