Black Brook
Black Brook is a gravity dam located in Polk County, Wisconsin, built in 1917. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Black Brook
The primary purpose of Black Brook 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 Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company (public utility). It impounds the Apple River.
The dam stands 32 feet tall and stretches 270 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 98 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 162 square miles. Completed in 1917, 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 05/19/2022.
At 32 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Polk |
| Nearest City | None |
| River/Stream | Apple River |
| Coordinates | 45.26420, -92.40280 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 270 ft |
| Year Completed | 1917 (109 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,400 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,220 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 98 acres |
| Drainage Area | 162 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/19/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00050 |
| Federal ID | WI00050 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |