Tiger Cat Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tiger Cat is a gravity dam located in Sawyer, Wisconsin, on the North Fork Chief River.


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Summary

Completed in 1937, this dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, with a storage capacity of 6,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 819 acres. It stands at a height of 18 feet and has a maximum discharge of 1,202 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Tiger Cat is currently in fair condition, as assessed in August 2020. The dam is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The last inspection was conducted in July 2020, with an inspection frequency of 3 years.

With a risk assessment rating of very high and a controlled spillway type, Tiger Cat dam is an important structure to monitor for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its location, history, and ongoing management make it a key point of interest for those concerned with the conservation and safety of water resources in the region.

Years Modified

1938 - Other

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK CHIEF

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

819

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

53.5

Nid Storage

6000

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.