Forest Wonder Lake dam
Forest Wonder Lake
Forest Wonder Lake is a private dam located in Iron County, Wisconsin, with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1932, this gravity-type dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 270 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 39 acres and is fed by Swamp Creek, offering visitors a serene natural setting for outdoor activities.
Despite its age, Forest Wonder Lake is in fair condition with a low hazard potential, as indicated by a risk assessment rating of Very High (1). The dam is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR), with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and integrity. The last inspection, conducted in October 2017, revealed that the dam meets guidelines and is equipped with a controlled spillway.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Forest Wonder Lake provides a fascinating example of a historical dam that continues to serve as a recreational resource while prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance. Its location in a picturesque natural setting, coupled with its modest size and low hazard potential, makes it a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of Wisconsin's scenic landscape.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Forest Wonder Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bear River Near Manitowish Waters | 85 cfs | → |
| Bad River Near Mellen | 101 cfs | → |
| Black River Near Bessemer | 98 cfs | → |
| Trout River At Trout Lake Near Boulder Junction | 30 cfs | → |
| North Creek @ Trout Lake Nr Boulder Junction | 3 cfs | → |
| Bad River Near Odanah | 468 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Forest Wonder Lake.
Boat launches
- Turtle Flambeau Flowage -- Sturgeon Bay Landing Access
- Dam Road Town Of Mercer
- Turtle Flambeau Flowage -- Lake Of The Falls County Park
- Lake Six -- Boat Ramp
- Moose Lake -- Access At E Side Of Lake Access Rd
- Fisherman's Landing Road Town Of Mercer
Campgrounds
- Lake Of The Falls Campgrounds
- Marian City Park
- Marion Park
- Hines Park & Campground
- Hines City Park
- Twin Lakes Recreation Area Campground
Fishing spots
Track Forest Wonder Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Forest Wonder Lake
Where does the data for Forest Wonder Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Forest Wonder Lake.