Castle Rock
Castle Rock is a gravity dam located in Adams County, Wisconsin, built in 1950. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Castle Rock
The primary purpose of Castle Rock 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 Wisconsin River Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Wisconsin River near Wisconsin Dells.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 18,700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 16,640 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 175,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6,845 square miles. Completed in 1950, 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 08/10/2022.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.
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 | Adams |
| Nearest City | Wisconsin Dells |
| River/Stream | Wisconsin River |
| Coordinates | 43.86330, -89.95670 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Length | 18,700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 175,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 175,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 136,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16,640 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6,845 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 326,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Wisconsin River Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/10/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00724 |
| Federal ID | WI00724 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |