Port Edwards
Port Edwards is a gravity dam located in Wood County, Wisconsin, built in 1855. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Port Edwards
The primary purpose of Port Edwards 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 Domtar Wisconsin Dam Corp (private). It impounds the Wisconsin River near Port Edwards.
The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 1,215 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 150 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,430 square miles. Completed in 1855, 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 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 09/25/2019.
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Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Wood |
| Nearest City | Port Edwards |
| River/Stream | Wisconsin River |
| Coordinates | 44.35170, -89.85330 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,215 ft |
| Year Completed | 1855 (171 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 150 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,430 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 38,380 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Domtar Wisconsin Dam Corp |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 09/25/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00819 |
| Federal ID | WI00819 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |