Totagatic Wildlife Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Totagatic Wildlife is a state-owned recreational area located in Washburn, Wisconsin, along the Totagatic River.


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Summary

The dam at Totagatic Wildlife was completed in 1952, serving primarily for recreation purposes with a gravity design. It stands at a height of 9 feet and has a structural length of 650 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2870 acre-feet.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Totagatic Wildlife poses a very high risk due to its location and characteristics. The dam has a drainage area of 67 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 6300 cubic feet per second. While last inspected in December 2012, the dam is subject to regular inspections every 10 years to ensure its safety and functionality.

With its picturesque location and recreational opportunities, Totagatic Wildlife serves as a vital resource for water enthusiasts and climate advocates alike. Its importance lies not only in its recreational value but also in its role in providing water storage and management in the region. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Totagatic River and its surrounding wildlife while appreciating the engineering marvel that is the Totagatic Wildlife dam.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

TOTAGATIC

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

393

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

67

Nid Storage

2870

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.