Hillsboro
Hillsboro is a gravity dam located in Vernon County, Wisconsin, built in 1854. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Hillsboro
The primary purpose of Hillsboro is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by City Of Hillsboro (local government). It impounds the West Branch Baraboo R. near Hillsboro.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 42 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 430 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 39 square miles. Completed in 1854, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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 11/09/2020.
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 | Vernon |
| Nearest City | Hillsboro |
| River/Stream | West Branch Baraboo R. |
| Coordinates | 43.64865, -90.33745 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1854 (172 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 430 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 430 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 160 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 39 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,132 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | City Of Hillsboro |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/09/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00320 |
| Federal ID | WI00320 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |