Schramms Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Schramms, also known as Seeley Lake, is a privately owned dam located in Sauk County, Wisconsin.


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Summary

Built in 1850, this rockfill structure stands at a height of 11 feet and spans 170 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 49.4 acres for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

Despite its age, Schramms has a fair condition assessment and a low hazard potential, indicating that it is currently stable and poses minimal risk to downstream areas. The dam is under state regulation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. In the event of an emergency, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 160 feet to manage excess water flow.

In conclusion, Schramms is a historic dam with a moderate risk assessment rating due to its age and potential for hazards. However, with proper maintenance and oversight, this structure continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities for the community while operating within regulatory guidelines to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Years Modified

1955 - Other

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

170

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

SEELEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

49.4

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

31

Nid Storage

180

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.