Wisconsin has 7 high hazard dams with a condition assessment of poor or unsatisfactory. These are dams where failure would probably cause loss of human life and where recognized safety deficiencies have been identified.
Of the 178 high hazard dams in Wisconsin, 7 (3%) have concerning condition ratings — 3 rated poor and 4 rated unsatisfactory.
Condition scale, best to worst
- Satisfactory No existing or potential safety deficiencies recognized; acceptable performance expected under all loading conditions.
- Fair No deficiencies under normal operating conditions; a rare flood or earthquake could create one.
- Poor A safety deficiency is recognized under normal operating conditions; remedial action is necessary.
- Unsatisfactory Worst rating. The dam is considered unsafe; a deficiency requires immediate or emergency remedial action.
"Not rated" means no assessment is on file in the National Inventory of Dams.
| Dam | County | Height (ft) | Condition | Last inspected | Purpose | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Fork Kickapoo 1 | Vernon | 63 | Unsatisfactory | 12/16/20214 yrs ago | Flood Risk Reduction | 1969 |
| Rock Falls | Dunn | 43 | Poor | 08/07/200818 yrs ago | 1864 | |
| Mlsna | Vernon | 35 | Unsatisfactory | 05/11/20206 yrs ago | Flood Risk Reduction | 1956 |
| Rothschild | Marathon | 27 | Poor | 08/13/20242 yrs ago | Hydroelectric | 1911 |
| Rice | Lincoln | 19 | Poor | 08/04/20224 yrs ago | Hydroelectric | 1912 |
| Neopit | Menominee | 18 | Unsatisfactory | 02/22/20233 yrs ago | Other | 1908 |
| Radigan | Douglas | 12 | Unsatisfactory | 11/16/20214 yrs ago | Recreation | 1938 |