Moose Lake 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Moose Lake 1, also known as Goodrich, is a privately owned dam located in Sawyer, Wisconsin.


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Summary

Built in 1897, this gravity dam stands at a height of 23 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a storage capacity of 27,500 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,670 acres, Moose Lake 1 is situated on the West Fork Chippewa River, within the Detroit District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Moose Lake 1 poses a high hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating of 1. The dam has a controlled spillway type and a maximum discharge capacity of 3,770 cubic feet per second. With a drainage area of 225 square miles, Moose Lake 1 has undergone modifications in 1925 and is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Moose Lake 1 can appreciate its historical significance, engineering design, and impact on the surrounding ecosystem. As a vital structure for water management and recreational activities, Moose Lake 1 represents a balance between human needs and environmental conservation efforts in the state of Wisconsin.

Years Modified

1925 - Other

Year Completed

1897

Dam Length

840

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

WEST FORK CHIPPEWA

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

1670

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

225

Nid Storage

27500

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

23
       
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.