UPDATE: Big Falls Dam now in a stable condition, officials say - TMJ4
The Big Falls Dam in Waupaca County is now in a stable condition, emergency management officials said Tuesday afternoon.
www.tmj4.comHere’s the latest publicly reported update on the Big Falls Dam situation.
A day-by-day summary: In mid-April 2026, authorities warned of an imminent dam failure at the Big Falls Dam along the Little Wolf River in Waupaca County, Wisconsin, triggering evacuations for Big Falls and nearby Little Falls and prompting extensive sandbag and barrier reinforcements. By April 13–14, emergency officials reported that conditions were stabilizing and water levels were receding, with the dam described as being in stable condition and some evacuation orders lifted on or after April 14. These developments followed rapid containment efforts and ongoing flood warnings in the region.[1][2][3][6]
Local actions and conditions: Emergency management teams deployed hundreds of tons of materials (sand, gravel, beams) to reinforce the dam’s sides, and residents were urged to relocate to higher ground during the heightened risk period. Road closures and ongoing flood advisories persisted while stabilization occurred. Public updates emphasized a coordinated community response and the importance of staying clear of danger zones as waters receded.[3][9][1]
What happened afterward: After stabilization, authorities lifted some evacuation orders as conditions allowed, and return-to-home guidance was issued for affected residents in the subsequent days. Coverage from multiple outlets noted the shift from imminent danger to a stabilized scenario with ongoing flood warnings in the broader area.[6][3]
What to watch next: While the immediate crisis passed, ongoing river flood warnings and weather conditions could influence further safety measures or temporary re-evacuations. Local officials encouraged residents to monitor official briefings and weather updates for any new advisories.[1][3]
Illustration (example): A simple visualization of the timeline would show: initial warning (Imminent dam failure) → rapid reinforcement and evacuations → stabilization and reduction in water levels → partial lifting of evacuations and ongoing flood advisories.
Notes and caveats:
If you’d like, I can compile a concise timeline with exact dates and quoted phrases from the updates, or pull the latest local-news sources for the most current status.
The Big Falls Dam in Waupaca County is now in a stable condition, emergency management officials said Tuesday afternoon.
www.tmj4.comThe Big Falls Dam in Waupaca County is now in a stable condition, emergency management officials said Tuesday afternoon.
www.nbc26.comThe Big Falls Dam along the Little Wolf River is in "imminent" danger of failure, authorities said.
fox11online.comWork continues to secure the Big Falls Dam after emergency management warned of a potential failure in Waupaca County.
www.nbc26.comAs planning for the NSIT and Free the Falls projects becomes tangible progress, Cascade Valley Metro Park has transitioned into a construction zone. Learn more.
www.summitmetroparks.orgIt comes following storms that caused flooding in the area.
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