Lower White River Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Lower White River in Waushara, Wisconsin, is a remarkable hydroelectric and recreational dam completed in 1927.


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Summary

With a gravity dam type and a height of 27 feet, this structure serves multiple purposes while providing essential water resource management for the region. The dam boasts a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment, making it a crucial site for inspection and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality.

Covering an area of 133 acres and with a drainage area of 83 square miles, the Lower White River dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 3707 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam maintains a very high risk assessment ranking (1) and falls under state jurisdiction for regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The presence of controlled spillways and a normal storage capacity of 739 acre-feet further highlight the importance of this structure in managing water resources in the area.

Located in the city of NESHKORO, the Lower White River dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. With a private ownership structure and state oversight, this dam exemplifies the critical role that such infrastructure plays in both hydroelectric power generation and recreational activities in the region. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and operation of structures like the Lower White River dam will be essential for ensuring sustainable water management in the future.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

WHITE

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

133

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

83

Nid Storage

1000

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.