Chippewa Falls
Chippewa Falls is a gravity dam located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, built in 1928. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Chippewa Falls
The primary purpose of Chippewa Falls is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Northern States Power Co (public utility). It impounds the Chippewa River near Chippewa Falls.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 1,376 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 270 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,250 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,650 square miles. Completed in 1928, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected 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. The most recent inspection on record was 05/26/2022.
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Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Chippewa |
| Nearest City | Chippewa Falls |
| River/Stream | Chippewa River |
| Coordinates | 44.93200, -91.38920 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,376 ft |
| Year Completed | 1928 (98 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,250 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,250 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 270 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,650 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 100,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Northern States Power Co |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 05/26/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00731 |
| Federal ID | WI00731 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |