High Falls

High Falls is a gravity dam located in Marinette County, Wisconsin, built in 1910. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About High Falls

The primary purpose of High 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 Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Peshtigo River near Crivitz.

The dam stands 83 feet tall and stretches 4,903 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,670 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 16,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 537 square miles. Completed in 1910, 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 09/07/2022.

At 83 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.

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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateWisconsin
CountyMarinette
Nearest CityCrivitz
River/StreamPeshtigo River
Coordinates45.28000, -88.20000

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeGravity
NID Height83 ft
Dam Height47 ft
Dam Length4,903 ft
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage16,000 acre-ft
Max Storage16,000 acre-ft
Normal Storage15,810 acre-ft
Surface Area1,670 acres
Drainage Area537 sq mi
Max Discharge21,000 cfs
Spillway TypeNone

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
OwnerWisconsin Public Service Corporation
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection09/07/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDWI00754
Federal IDWI00754
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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