Wausau
Wausau is a gravity dam located in Marathon County, Wisconsin, built in 1930. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Wausau
The primary purpose of Wausau 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 Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Wisconsin River near Wausau.
The dam stands 35 feet tall and stretches 1,175 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 304 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,800 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,092 square miles. Completed in 1930, 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 08/18/2022.
At 35 feet, this dam is taller than 82% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Marathon |
| Nearest City | Wausau |
| River/Stream | Wisconsin River |
| Coordinates | 44.95670, -89.63500 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Height | 29 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,175 ft |
| Year Completed | 1930 (96 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,800 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 304 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,092 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 102,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Wisconsin Public Service Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/18/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00752 |
| Federal ID | WI00752 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |