Brooks and Ross is a local government-owned dam located in Marathon, Wisconsin, along the Eau Claire River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1850, this gravity-type dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 184 acres and a drainage area of 404 acres. With a maximum discharge capacity of 12,300 cubic feet per second and a height of 12 feet, the dam provides a low hazard potential but is categorized as having a very high risk due to its age and condition assessment not being rated.
Despite its age, Brooks and Ross Dam remains state-regulated and maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR), with regular inspections occurring every 10 years. The dam's normal storage capacity is 802 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 1,200 acre-feet. The controlled spillway type and the dam's location within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers contribute to its structural integrity. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2013, and it meets the necessary guidelines for risk management, although there are no inundation maps prepared for potential flooding scenarios. Overall, Brooks and Ross Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the conservation and management of aging infrastructure in the face of increasing environmental challenges.
Years Modified |
1939 - Other |
Year Completed |
1850 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
EAU CLAIRE |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
184 |
Hydraulic Height |
6 |
Drainage Area |
404 |
Nid Storage |
1200 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Wisconsin River At Rothschild
|
2280cfs |
Eau Claire River At Kelly
|
280cfs |
Rib River At Rib Falls
|
60cfs |
Wisconsin River At Merrill
|
1490cfs |
Prairie River Near Merrill
|
104cfs |
Big Eau Pleine River At Stratford
|
27cfs |