Altoona Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Altoona, located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is home to a significant water resource - the Eau Claire River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam in Altoona serves a primary purpose of recreation and was completed in 1938. With a height of 44 feet and a storage capacity of 14,000 acre-feet, the dam provides vital water storage for the area. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 111 feet, ensuring the safe release of excess water during periods of high flow.

Despite being a recreational dam, Altoona's structure poses a high hazard potential, requiring frequent inspections to ensure its safety. The dam's condition assessment as of February 2019 was deemed satisfactory, but the risk assessment remains very high. Emergency action plans have been prepared, but there is room for improvement in meeting guidelines and updating contact information. Altoona's dam serves as a critical water management tool for the region, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures and infrastructure maintenance for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and support.

Years Modified

1941 - Other, 1947 - Other, 1975 - Other, 2000 - Other, 2009 - Other, 2016 - Other

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

Eau Claire River

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

840

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

883

Nid Storage

14000

Structural Height

44

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

44
       
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.