Gooseville Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gooseville is a private dam located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, along the North Branch Milwaukee River.


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Summary

Built in 1855 for recreational purposes, this gravity dam stands at 9 feet tall and spans 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 170 acre-feet. Despite its age, Gooseville has undergone modifications in 1974 to enhance its functionality. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 36 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1325 cubic feet per second.

Although Gooseville is categorized as having low hazard potential, it is considered to have a very high risk due to its condition assessment being labeled as "Not Rated." The last inspection date was in 1989, with an inspection frequency of every 10 years. The dam is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With its proximity to the North Branch Milwaukee River, Gooseville serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding community, offering recreational benefits while also posing a potential risk that requires ongoing monitoring and management.

Years Modified

1974 - Other

Year Completed

1855

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

NORTH BRANCH MILWAUKEE

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

38

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

40

Nid Storage

170

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.