Oak Street Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oak Street is a hydroelectric dam located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, that was completed in 1929.


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Summary

With a gravity dam type and a height of 14 feet, Oak Street serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. The dam has a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a normal storage of 60 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 16 acres and draining a watershed of 564 square miles.

Despite its age, Oak Street remains a significant water resource infrastructure with a moderate risk assessment. The dam has a spillway type of uncontrolled and a maximum discharge capacity of 7,400 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, showcasing the state's commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of this important water resource. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate Oak Street's historical significance and ongoing role in providing renewable energy and recreational opportunities in the region.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

BARABOO

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

564

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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.