Winding Creek Diversion Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Winding Creek Diversion, located in Marathon, Wisconsin, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1993 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 15 feet and spanning 3000 feet in length, this diversion on Winding Creek has a storage capacity of 117 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7 acres. With a controlled spillway width of 155 feet, the dam is designed to manage the flow of water effectively while posing a low hazard potential and maintaining a fair condition assessment.
Despite being classified as low risk, the Winding Creek Diversion is closely monitored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) with regular inspections every 10 years. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in 2017, and although it meets guidelines, there are no inundation maps prepared for potential risk assessment. The overall risk assessment for the dam is very high, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource for both the environment and recreational activities in the area.
Year Completed |
1993 |
Dam Length |
3000 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
WINDING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
3 |
Drainage Area |
5.05 |
Nid Storage |
117 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Eau Pleine River At Stratford
|
27cfs |
Rib River At Rib Falls
|
60cfs |
Black River At Neillsville
|
193cfs |
Wisconsin River At Rothschild
|
1960cfs |
Eau Claire River At Kelly
|
280cfs |
Wisconsin River At Merrill
|
1930cfs |
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.
Winding Creek Diversion