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