Wissota North Saddle Dike
Wissota North Saddle Dike is an earth dam located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, built in 1917. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Wissota North Saddle Dike
The primary purpose of Wissota North Saddle Dike 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.
The dam stands 79 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 6,212 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 56,000 acre-feet. Completed in 1917, 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 07/20/2022.
At 79 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
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 |
| River/Stream | Chippewa River |
| Coordinates | 44.93330, -91.33330 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 79 ft |
| Dam Height | 79 ft |
| Year Completed | 1917 (109 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 56,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 56,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 56,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6,212 acres |
| Max Discharge | 272,000 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Northern States Power Co |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/20/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00730 |
| Federal ID | WI00730S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |