Gordon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gordon, a privately owned hydroelectric dam located in Wisconsin, along the Eau Claire river, stands as a significant structure with a storied history dating back to its completion in 1932.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of generating hydroelectric power, Gordon also offers recreational opportunities to the local community. The earth-type dam reaches a height of 33 feet and stretches 1550 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 740 acre-feet and a drainage area of 33 square miles.

Despite its historical significance, Gordon faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which has been rated as poor as of March 2016. The dam's hazard potential is deemed significant, with a very high risk assessment score of 1, warranting attention to its maintenance and risk management measures. The last inspection was conducted in September 2010, with a scheduled frequency of every 3 years, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and upkeep to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

As a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, Gordon's condition and maintenance are of utmost importance in safeguarding both its operational functionality and the surrounding environment. With its location in a high-risk area and the potential impact of a failure deemed significant, proactive measures and investments in its upkeep are essential to mitigate risks and ensure the continued operation of this hydroelectric facility for generations to come.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

1550

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

EAU CLAIRE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

56

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

33

Nid Storage

740

Structural Height

33

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

33
       
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.