Wisconsin Rapids is a gravity dam located in Wood County, Wisconsin, built in 1843. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 34 ft34 ft tall and 6,040 ft long, taller than 78% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic concrete gravity section and the water level is illustrative.
About Wisconsin Rapids
The primary purpose of Wisconsin Rapids 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 34 feet tall and stretches 6,040 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 455 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,660 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,420 square miles. Completed in 1843, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 08/31/2022.
At 34 feet, this dam is taller than 78% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Wood |
| Nearest City | Wisconsin Rapids |
| River/Stream | Wisconsin River |
| Coordinates | 44.39680, -89.82230 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Length | 6,040 ft |
| Year Completed | 1843 (183 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,660 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,660 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,660 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 455 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,420 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 130,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Consolidated Water Power Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/31/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00817 |
| Federal ID | WI00817 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |