Dells
Dells is a gravity dam located in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, built in 1907. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Dells
The primary purpose of Dells 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 Eau Claire.
The dam stands 51 feet tall and stretches 619 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,183 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 12,100 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,752 square miles. Completed in 1907, the structure is over a century old.
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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 06/14/2022.
At 51 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Eau Claire |
| Nearest City | Eau Claire |
| River/Stream | Chippewa River |
| Coordinates | 44.82780, -91.51110 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 51 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 619 ft |
| Year Completed | 1907 (119 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 12,100 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 12,100 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11,158 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,183 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,752 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 170,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Northern States Power Co |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 06/14/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00736 |
| Federal ID | WI00736 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |