Ward Paper Company Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Ward Paper Company, located in Merrill, Wisconsin, is a privately owned facility that plays a crucial role in water supply management in the area.


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Summary

The dam associated with the company serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, and providing water supply to the local community. Built in 1904, the gravity dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet.

With a drainage area of 209 square miles and a maximum discharge of 5000 cubic feet per second, the Ward Paper Company dam is designed to withstand high hazard potential events. Despite being rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the facility has a risk assessment of "Very High (1)" and is under state regulation, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement processes in place. The dam has a controlled spillway and a history of modifications dating back to 1905, reflecting a commitment to maintaining its functionality and safety.

Overall, the Ward Paper Company dam is a significant infrastructure for water resource management in Lincoln, Wisconsin. Its strategic location on the Prairie River, coupled with its multiple functions and high hazard potential, highlights the importance of ensuring its continued operation and maintenance to meet the water supply needs of the surrounding community and mitigate potential risks associated with its operation.

Years Modified

1905 - Other

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

640

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

PRAIRIE

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

118

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

209

Nid Storage

1000

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.