Spooner Electric Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spooner Electric, also known as the Tommy Thompson Fish Hatchery, is a state-owned facility located in Spooner, Wisconsin, along the Yellow River.


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Summary

This gravity dam, completed in 1905, serves primarily for recreational purposes with a storage capacity of 1,500 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2,100 cfs. With a structural height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 16 feet, the dam spans 1,120 feet and covers a drainage area of 36.5 square miles.

Despite its significant hazard potential, Spooner Electric has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of June 2018. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations. While the emergency action plan was last revised in 1995, the facility meets guidelines for risk management and has a very high risk assessment ranking of 1, indicating the need for vigilant monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks in the future.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Spooner Electric for its historical significance, its role in supporting recreational activities, and the importance of proper dam management and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection. The dam's location in Washburn County, its controlled spillway, and its critical infrastructure make it a vital component of the local water system. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the functions and risks associated with structures like Spooner Electric becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable water management and adaptation strategies.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

1120

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

YELLOW

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

344

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

36.5

Nid Storage

1500

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.