Iron River Light And Power Co Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Iron River Light and Power Co, located in Iron River, Wisconsin, is a locally owned dam that serves the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1870, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a hydraulic height of 23 feet, with a length of 400 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 850 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1215 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a vital role in managing the water resources of the Iron River.

The dam's significant hazard potential is mitigated by regular inspections, with the most recent one conducted in August 2018, assessing its condition as satisfactory. Despite its age, the structure remains in good standing, meeting regulatory requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The risk assessment categorizes the dam's risk as very high, indicating the importance of effective risk management measures to ensure public safety and the preservation of the surrounding environment.

Overall, Iron River Light and Power Co stands as a historic landmark in Wisconsin, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water resource management. With its controlled spillway and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam continues to play a crucial role in the local community and serves as a reminder of the importance of safe and sustainable water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Years Modified

1923 - Other

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

IRON

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

76

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

8.4

Nid Storage

1891

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

29
       
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.