Namekagon
Namekagon is a gravity dam located in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, built in 1886. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Namekagon
The primary purpose of Namekagon is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Town Of Namakagon (local government). It impounds the Namekagon near Cable.
The dam stands 9 feet tall and stretches 120 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,208 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 19,700 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 47 square miles. Completed in 1886, 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 09/22/2021.
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 | Bayfield |
| Nearest City | Cable |
| River/Stream | Namekagon |
| Coordinates | 46.22364, -91.14779 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 9 ft |
| Dam Height | 9 ft |
| Dam Length | 120 ft |
| Year Completed | 1886 (140 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 19,700 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 19,700 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 13,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,208 acres |
| Drainage Area | 47 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,197 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Town Of Namakagon |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/22/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00623 |
| Federal ID | WI00623 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |