Biron
Biron is a gravity dam located in Wood County, Wisconsin, built in 1937. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Biron
The primary purpose of Biron 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 Consolidated Water Power Company (private). It impounds the Wisconsin River near Wisconsin Rapids.
The dam stands 24 feet tall and stretches 18,177 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,078 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 19,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,380 square miles. Completed in 1937, 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 09/01/2022.
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 | Wood |
| Nearest City | Wisconsin Rapids |
| River/Stream | Wisconsin River |
| Coordinates | 44.43200, -89.77930 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 24 ft |
| Dam Height | 24 ft |
| Dam Length | 18,177 ft |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 19,600 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 19,600 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 19,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,078 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,380 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 167,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Consolidated Water Power Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/01/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00815 |
| Federal ID | WI00815 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |