Crystal Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Crystal, also known as Little Hope, is a gravity dam located in Waupaca, Wisconsin, owned by the local government and regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1948, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene spot for visitors to enjoy the surrounding area. With a dam height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 7 feet, Crystal has a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 870 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Crystal remains a significant structure with a hazard potential rated as "Significant" and a risk assessment of "Very High (1)". Although the dam's condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated", regular inspections are conducted every 3 years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently undetermined, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks associated with this essential water resource.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

CRYSTAL

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

82

Nid Storage

78

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.