Pattison State Park

Pattison State Park is a gravity dam located in Douglas County, Wisconsin, built in 1931. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Pattison State Park

The primary purpose of Pattison State Park is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Wisconsin Department Of Natural Resources (state). It impounds the Black River.

The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 27 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 340 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 78 square miles. Completed in 1931, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/30/2020.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

Significant HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateWisconsin
CountyDouglas
Nearest CityNone
River/StreamBlack River
Coordinates46.53558, -92.12085

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeGravity
NID Height20 ft
Dam Height20 ft
Dam Length300 ft
Year Completed1931 (95 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage340 acre-ft
Max Storage340 acre-ft
Normal Storage180 acre-ft
Surface Area27 acres
Drainage Area78 sq mi
Max Discharge4,194 cfs
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerWisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Owner TypeState
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection09/30/2020
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDWI00127
Federal IDWI00127
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams