Prairie Du Sac, located in Sauk County, Wisconsin, is home to a historic hydroelectric dam on the Wisconsin River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1914 by MEAD & SEASTONE, this gravity dam stands at a height of 50 feet and has a hydraulic height of 38 feet. With a storage capacity of 193,200 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 119,950 acre-feet, the dam serves as a vital source of hydroelectric power in the region.
Managed by a public utility, Prairie Du Sac dam is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and is used primarily for hydroelectric purposes. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 820 feet and is equipped with 41 Tainter (radial) outlet gates. With a high hazard potential and very high risk assessment rating, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.
Despite its age, Prairie Du Sac dam remains a key infrastructure asset, providing essential flood control, water storage, and renewable energy generation capabilities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the dam's strategic location and design make it a critical component of the region's adaptive capacity and sustainable development goals, ensuring the resilience of local communities in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1914 |
Dam Length |
3247 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
Wisconsin River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
9000 |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Drainage Area |
9180 |
Nid Storage |
193200 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 41 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
50 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
VFW Campground
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Cedar Hills Campground
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Devil’s Lake State Park Campgrounds
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Springfield Hill DCA
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Eastern Lodi Marsh DCA
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