Powell Marsh Wildlife Area Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Powell Marsh Wildlife Area, also known as Little Bear, is a state-owned conservation area located in Iron, Wisconsin.


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Summary

The wildlife area is home to the Little Bear Creek and was completed in 1971 with the primary purpose of serving as a water resource for the surrounding ecosystem. The dam at Powell Marsh Wildlife Area is an earth dam with a height of 7.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 5 feet, providing a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 rated it as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and improvement. The area covers a surface area of 63.6 acres and is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. With its serene surroundings and vital role in supporting local wildlife and water resources, Powell Marsh Wildlife Area is a crucial conservation site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and advocate for its preservation and enhancement.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

7.5

River Or Stream

LITTLE BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

63.6

Hydraulic Height

5

Nid Storage

190

Structural Height

7.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.