Sawyer Dike
Sawyer Dike is an earth dam located in Oneida County, Wisconsin, built in 1935. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Sawyer Dike
The primary purpose of Sawyer 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 Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company (public utility). It impounds the Wisconsin River.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 800 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 46,006 acre-feet. Completed in 1935, 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 08/02/2022.
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 | Oneida |
| River/Stream | Wisconsin River |
| Coordinates | 45.83250, -89.53280 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 46,006 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 46,006 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 32,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/02/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00775 |
| Federal ID | WI00775S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |