Wheeler Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Wheeler, also known as Townsend Flowage, is a gravity dam located in Oconto, Wisconsin, owned and regulated by the local government.


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Summary

Completed in 1880, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 476 acres and a storage capacity of 5300 acre-feet. The dam holds a high hazard potential and has a satisfactory condition assessment as of July 2020.

Situated on McCaslin Brook in Lakewood, Wheeler dam has a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, with a length of 200 feet. The dam has undergone modifications in 1940 and 1993. It is inspected every two years, and its risk assessment is rated as very high (1). The dam's spillway type is controlled, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 517 cubic feet per second.

As a key feature in the region's water resource management, Wheeler dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while requiring close monitoring due to its high hazard potential. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals alike are drawn to the dam's historical significance, structural design, and risk management measures that ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential infrastructure.

Years Modified

1940 - Other, 1993 - Other

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

MCCASLIN BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

476

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

32

Nid Storage

5300

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.