Wheeler
Wheeler is a gravity dam located in Oconto County, Wisconsin, built in 1880. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Wheeler
The primary purpose of Wheeler is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Oconto County (local government). It impounds the Mccaslin Brook near Lakewood.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 200 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 476 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 32 square miles. Completed in 1880, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/14/2020.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Wisconsin dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Oconto |
| Nearest City | Lakewood |
| River/Stream | Mccaslin Brook |
| Coordinates | 45.31857, -88.59772 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 200 ft |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,900 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 476 acres |
| Drainage Area | 32 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 517 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Oconto County |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/14/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00164 |
| Federal ID | WI00164 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |