Meadow Valley Spillway 5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Meadow Valley Spillway 5, located in Juneau, Wisconsin, is a state-regulated dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1938, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and has a hydraulic height of 5 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 700 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 470 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing the Beaver Creek Drainage Ditch.
Despite its low hazard potential, Meadow Valley Spillway 5 is classified as having a very high risk due to its outdated design and lack of recent condition assessments. The dam has not been inspected since 2011, raising concerns about its structural integrity and the safety of downstream communities. While the dam has a controlled spillway, the absence of outlet gates and associated structures may pose challenges in effectively managing water levels during heavy rainfall or flooding events.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to advocate for regular inspections, maintenance, and risk management measures for Meadow Valley Spillway 5 to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital infrastructure. Increased collaboration between state and federal agencies, as well as updated emergency action plans, can help mitigate the risks associated with this aging dam and protect the surrounding environment and communities from potential harm.
Years Modified |
1975 - Other |
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
23000 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
BEAVER CREEK DRAINAGE DITCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
500 |
Hydraulic Height |
5 |
Drainage Area |
14 |
Nid Storage |
2200 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yellow River At Babcock
|
44cfs |
Yellow River At Necedah
|
52cfs |
Tenmile Creek Near Nekoosa
|
27cfs |
Lemonweir River At New Lisbon
|
261cfs |
Wisconsin River At Wisconsin Rapids
|
1960cfs |
Black River At Neillsville
|
193cfs |
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.
Meadow Valley Spillway 5