Paper Mill
Paper Mill is a gravity dam located in Monroe County, Wisconsin, built in 1865. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Paper Mill
The primary purpose of Paper Mill is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by City Of Sparta (local government). It impounds the La Crosse River near Sparta.
The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 910 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 33 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 382 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 143 square miles. Completed in 1865, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/13/2021.
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Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Monroe |
| Nearest City | Sparta |
| River/Stream | La Crosse River |
| Coordinates | 43.94229, -90.80280 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Length | 910 ft |
| Year Completed | 1865 (161 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 382 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 382 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 160 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 33 acres |
| Drainage Area | 143 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | City Of Sparta |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 01/13/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00280 |
| Federal ID | WI00280 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |