Caldron Falls
Caldron Falls is a gravity dam located in Marinette County, Wisconsin, built in 1924. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Caldron Falls
The primary purpose of Caldron 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 81 feet tall and stretches 1,250 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,018 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 11,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 496 square miles. Completed in 1924, 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 81 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.
Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Marinette |
| Nearest City | Crivitz |
| River/Stream | Peshtigo River |
| Coordinates | 45.35670, -88.23000 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 81 ft |
| Dam Height | 39 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,250 ft |
| Year Completed | 1924 (102 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 11,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 11,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11,475 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,018 acres |
| Drainage Area | 496 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 19,150 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Wisconsin Public Service Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/07/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00759 |
| Federal ID | WI00759 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |