Cedar Lake dam
Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake, also known as Mikana, is a fascinating water resource nestled in Barron, Wisconsin. Managed by the local government, this recreational lake sits along the Red Cedar River and offers a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. With a dam height of 21 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 45,000 acre-feet, Cedar Lake provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.
Constructed in 1874, Cedar Lake boasts a rich history and has undergone modifications over the years to enhance its functionality. The dam, primarily serving recreational purposes, stands as a gravity structure with a controlled spillway and a surface area of 2,198 acres. Despite being classified as having low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the lake is subject to very high risk due to its critical location and significant drainage area of 159 square miles. Regular inspections and enforcement by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ensure the safety and sustainability of Cedar Lake for generations to come.
With Congressman Sean P. Duffy representing the area, Cedar Lake remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its picturesque surroundings, combined with its historical significance and recreational value, make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to appreciate the beauty and importance of freshwater ecosystems. As efforts continue to manage and protect this vital water source, Cedar Lake stands as a shining example of how human intervention can coexist harmoniously with nature.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Cedar Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chippewa River Near Bruce | 1,200 cfs | → |
| Flambeau River Near Bruce | 2,210 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River At Bishops Bridge Near Winter | 600 cfs | → |
| Jump River At Sheldon | 1,070 cfs | → |
| Red Cedar River Near Colfax | 850 cfs | → |
| Hay River At Wheeler | 348 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Cedar Lake.
Boat launches
- Red Cedar Lake - Access At Loch Lomond Beach Club
- Red Cedar Lake -- Access At End Of County Hwy V
- Red Cedar Lake -- Access At End Of Pigeon Creek Rd Nr 28th
- Hemlock Lake -- Access At 28 1/2 Ave
- Red Cedar Lake -- Access At Waldo Carlson Park
- Red Cedar Lake - Access At Tagalong Golf And Resort
Campgrounds
Paddle runs
- Forest Road 162 Crossing To Bridge On Blaisdell Lake
- East Forest Boundary To Forest Road 162 Crossing
More reservoirs
Track Cedar Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Cedar Lake
Where does the data for Cedar Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Cedar Lake.