Pewaukee
Pewaukee is a gravity dam located in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, built in 1842. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Pewaukee
The primary purpose of Pewaukee is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Village Of Pewaukee (local government). It impounds the Pewaukee near Pewaukee.
The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 800 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,493 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 36,900 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 27 square miles. Completed in 1842, 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 09/28/2021.
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 | Waukesha |
| Nearest City | Pewaukee |
| River/Stream | Pewaukee |
| Coordinates | 43.08422, -88.26463 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Year Completed | 1842 (184 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 36,900 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 36,900 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,493 acres |
| Drainage Area | 27 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 120 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Village Of Pewaukee |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/28/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00336 |
| Federal ID | WI00336 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |