Polk is a privately owned earth dam located in Sauk, Wisconsin, designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1978 for flood risk reduction along the TR-PLUM CREEK. With a height of 24 feet and a length of 400 feet, Polk has a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet and serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued effectiveness.

The dam is under state jurisdiction and regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place to monitor its safety and compliance. While the risk assessment for Polk is moderate, with a score of 3, there is room for improvement in terms of condition assessment and risk management measures. Emergency action plans and inundation maps are not currently prepared, indicating a potential area for enhancement in emergency preparedness and response.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Polk presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and community resilience. By learning more about the design, construction, and current condition of Polk, individuals can gain insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with managing water resources in a changing climate. Additionally, understanding the regulatory framework and risk assessment for dams like Polk can inform discussions on how to enhance dam safety and reduce the potential impact of flooding events on both natural ecosystems and human communities.