Mississippi River Lock And Dam 8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mississippi River Lock and Dam 8, also known as Pool 8, is a federal structure located in Victory, Wisconsin along the Mississippi River.


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Summary

Completed in 1937, this concrete dam serves primarily for navigation purposes, with a single lock and a spillway width of 2750 feet. The dam has a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, but is considered low-risk by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) due to continuous risk management measures and regular maintenance.

Lock and Dam 8 maintains a navigation pool for river traffic, with a maximum discharge of 274,000 cfs and a gated spillway regulated to hold a constant pool level for navigation purposes. Despite identified risks such as aging miter gates and potential navigation accidents, USACE actively works to reduce public safety risks associated with the dam. Additionally, the dam does not store flood waters but plays a crucial role in managing river flows and maintaining water levels for navigation, recreation, and safety in the area.

USACE emphasizes public awareness and coordination with state and county emergency managers to mitigate risks and ensure the proper functioning of Lock and Dam 8. With ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and risk management efforts, the dam continues to play a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience along the Mississippi River, exemplifying USACE's commitment to safeguarding communities and infrastructure in the face of potential hazards.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

18520

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

20800

Length Of Locks

600

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

64770

Nid Storage

260000

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

Roller - 5, Tainter (radial) - 10, Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.