Kaukauna
Kaukauna is a gravity dam located in Outagamie County, Wisconsin, built in 1940. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Kaukauna
The primary purpose of Kaukauna 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 Kaukauna, City Of (local government). It impounds the Fox River near Kaukauna.
The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 2,860 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 19 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,980 square miles. Completed in 1940, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 07/10/2024.
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Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Outagamie |
| Nearest City | Kaukauna |
| River/Stream | Fox River |
| Coordinates | 44.27980, -88.25550 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Height | 9 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,860 ft |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 19 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,980 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Kaukauna, City of |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/10/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00778 |
| Federal ID | WI00778 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |