Harrisville
Harrisville is a gravity dam located in Marquette County, Wisconsin, built in 1853. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Harrisville
The primary purpose of Harrisville 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 Town Of Harris (local government). It impounds the Montello Creek near Harrisville.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 245 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 78 square miles. Completed in 1853, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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 10/20/2021.
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 | Marquette |
| Nearest City | Harrisville |
| River/Stream | Montello Creek |
| Coordinates | 43.87598, -89.40241 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1853 (173 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,600 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,600 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 245 acres |
| Drainage Area | 78 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,700 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Town Of Harris |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/20/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00074 |
| Federal ID | WI00074 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |