Wheeler, also known as Townsend Flowage, is a gravity dam located in Oconto, Wisconsin, owned and regulated by the local government.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1880, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 476 acres and a storage capacity of 5300 acre-feet. The dam holds a high hazard potential and has a satisfactory condition assessment as of July 2020.
Situated on McCaslin Brook in Lakewood, Wheeler dam has a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, with a length of 200 feet. The dam has undergone modifications in 1940 and 1993. It is inspected every two years, and its risk assessment is rated as very high (1). The dam's spillway type is controlled, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 517 cubic feet per second.
As a key feature in the region's water resource management, Wheeler dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while requiring close monitoring due to its high hazard potential. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals alike are drawn to the dam's historical significance, structural design, and risk management measures that ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential infrastructure.
Years Modified |
1940 - Other, 1993 - Other |
Year Completed |
1880 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
MCCASLIN BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
476 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
32 |
Nid Storage |
5300 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
20 |
Wolf River At Langlade
|
326cfs |
Peshtigo River Near Wabeno
|
226cfs |
Popple River Near Fence
|
55cfs |
Red River At Morgan Road Near Morgan
|
145cfs |
Pike River At Amberg
|
186cfs |
Oconto River Near Gillett
|
596cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Boot Lake Campground
|
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Boot Lake Recreation Area
|
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Boot Lake
|
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Ada Lake
|
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Ada Lake Recreation Area
|
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Ada Lake Campground
|