Chute
Chute is a gravity dam located in Oconto County, Wisconsin, built in 1937. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Chute
The primary purpose of Chute is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Oconto County (local government). It impounds the North Branch Oconto near Unnamed Subdivision.
The dam stands 18 feet tall and stretches 450 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 440 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 188 square miles. Completed in 1937, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years 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 07/14/2020.
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 | Oconto |
| Nearest City | Unnamed Subdivision |
| River/Stream | North Branch Oconto |
| Coordinates | 45.13102, -88.44313 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Length | 450 ft |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 440 acres |
| Drainage Area | 188 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Oconto County |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/14/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00162 |
| Federal ID | WI00162 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |