Jim Falls
Jim Falls is a gravity dam located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, built in 1923. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Jim Falls
The primary purpose of Jim Falls 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 Northern States Power Co (public utility). It impounds the Chippewa River near Jim Falls.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 2,589 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 996 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 11,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,891 square miles. Completed in 1923, the structure is over a century old.
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 07/13/2021.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% 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 | Chippewa |
| Nearest City | Jim Falls |
| River/Stream | Chippewa River |
| Coordinates | 45.06050, -91.26600 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,589 ft |
| Year Completed | 1923 (103 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 11,400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 11,400 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11,400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 996 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,891 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 330,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Northern States Power Co |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/13/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00729 |
| Federal ID | WI00729 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |