Lac Vieux Desert
Lac Vieux Desert is a gravity dam located in Vilas County, Wisconsin, built in 1907. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lac Vieux Desert
The primary purpose of Lac Vieux Desert 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 Valley Improvement Company (public utility). It impounds the Wisconsin River near Eagle River.
The dam stands 9 feet tall and stretches 27 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 49,173 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 34 square miles. Completed in 1907, the structure is over a century old.
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 06/12/2018.
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Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Vilas |
| Nearest City | Eagle River |
| River/Stream | Wisconsin River |
| Coordinates | 46.12140, -89.15250 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 9 ft |
| Dam Height | 9 ft |
| Dam Length | 27 ft |
| Year Completed | 1907 (119 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 49,173 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 49,173 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 34 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 153 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/12/2018 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI01138 |
| Federal ID | WI01138 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |