Beaverdam Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beaverdam Lake Dam, located in Ashland, Wisconsin, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the USDA Forest Service.


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Summary

Built in 1944, this Earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a length of 150 feet, providing a storage capacity of 11,029 acre-feet. With a normal storage of 550 acre-feet and a surface area of 3,000 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Despite its low hazard potential, Beaverdam Lake Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, with a current condition assessment of "Not Rated." The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet and undergoes inspections every 10 years, with the last inspection conducted in July 2012. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively, ensuring water supply and flood control for the surrounding area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance and engineering marvel of Beaverdam Lake Dam. With its strategic location and vital role in water storage and management, this Federal-owned Earth dam stands as a testament to effective infrastructure planning and management in Wisconsin.

Year Completed

1944

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

10

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3000

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

126

Nid Storage

11029

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.