Cyreus Peterson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cyreus Peterson is a private earth dam located in Richland, Wisconsin, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 21 feet tall and stretches 243 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed river or stream in the St. Paul District, and its maximum discharge capacity is 36 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential, Cyreus Peterson poses a moderate risk (rated at 3) due to its lack of available condition assessment data and emergency action plan. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a spillway width of 18 feet. The site has not undergone recent inspections, with an anticipated frequency of every 10 years.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Cyreus Peterson to be an intriguing structure with potential for recreational activities. Its historical significance, design characteristics, and risk assessment provide valuable insights into the management and maintenance of dams in the region. Further exploration of this dam could offer valuable lessons for sustainable water resource management and climate resilience strategies.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

243

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Unnamed

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

90

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.