Sauk River Melrose

About Sauk River Melrose

The primary purpose of Sauk River Melrose is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by City Of Melrose (local government). It impounds the Sauk River near Melrose.

The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 310 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 75 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 434 square miles. Completed in 1873, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 08/30/2021.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.