Nihles Reservoir Report
Nearby: Klein Gobracht, John
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Nihles, a private dam located in Grant, Wisconsin, serves primarily as a flood risk reduction structure along an unnamed tributary to Bacon Branch.
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Summary
Built with an earth core and stone foundations, the dam stands at a height of 24.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 15 feet. Its purpose also includes recreation, offering a surface area of 5 acres and a drainage area of 0.41 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Nihles poses a very high risk, designated as level 1. The dam has a storage capacity of 59.1 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 225 cubic feet per second. While last inspected in July 2017 with a frequency of 10 years, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unknown. With its controlled spillway and state-regulated status under WIDNR, Nihles remains an essential structure for flood control in the area.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Nihles to be a crucial component in managing flood risks in the region. Its location, design, and purpose highlight the importance of sustainable water infrastructure to protect communities and the environment. As climate variability continues to impact water resources, Nihles stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts in maintaining and monitoring essential structures for flood risk reduction.
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
24.5 |
River Or Stream |
Unnamed Trib to Bacon Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.41 |
Nid Storage |
59.1 |
Structural Height |
24.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Platte River Near Rockville
|
85cfs |
Grant River At Burton
|
345cfs |
Pecatonica River At Darlington
|
218cfs |
Wisconsin River At Muscoda
|
6230cfs |
Sinsinawa River Near Menominee
|
19cfs |
Kickapoo River At Steuben
|
437cfs |
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.
Nihles