Alpine Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mount Morris Lower White River
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Alpine Lake in Waushara, Wisconsin, is a picturesque reservoir with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam, completed in 1970, is an earth structure standing at 25 feet tall and spanning 600 feet in length. The lake has a storage capacity of 950 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 450 acre-feet and a surface area of 80 acres.
Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Alpine Lake is regulated, inspected, and permitted by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its low hazard potential, the lake's condition is assessed as fair, with a very high risk assessment ranking. The last inspection in May 2020 indicated a need for continued monitoring and maintenance to uphold the safety and integrity of the dam.
With its controlled spillway and proximity to Bruce (Thorstad) Creek, Alpine Lake offers a serene recreational area for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The presence of associated structures is minimal, emphasizing the natural beauty and simplicity of this local government-owned reservoir. As climate and water resource enthusiasts, the unique characteristics and risk assessment of Alpine Lake provide an intriguing insight into the intersection of human development and environmental management in the region.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
BRUCE (THORSTAD) CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
80 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
3.5 |
Nid Storage |
950 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Alpine Lake
Lake Alpine -- Access