Upper Beaver Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Beaver Dam, located in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, is a local government-owned earth dam on the Beaver Dam River that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1840, the dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a hydraulic height of 10 feet, and has a storage capacity of 57,000 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 6,542 acres and has a drainage area of 157 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 750 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Upper Beaver Dam has undergone modifications in 1913 and 2011 to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, but its condition was assessed as satisfactory as of January 2020. With its very high risk assessment rating, the dam is crucial to monitor and maintain to prevent any potential emergencies. The dam's inspection frequency is every two years, with the last inspection taking place in November 2019.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) preparation status is currently unknown, highlighting the need for updated emergency contacts and inundation maps. Despite these challenges, Upper Beaver Dam remains a vital structure for the community, providing essential recreational opportunities and serving as a key component of water resource management in the region.

Years Modified

1913 - Other, 2011 - Other

Year Completed

1840

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

BEAVER DAM RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6542

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

157

Nid Storage

57000

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

High

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.