Scandinavia Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Scandinavia, located in Waupaca, Wisconsin, is home to the South Branch Little Wolf river and a gravity dam that was completed in 1856 for the primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a dam height of 13 feet and a hydraulic height of 9 feet, this structure boasts a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1700 cubic feet per second. The dam spans 189 feet in length and covers a surface area of 16 acres within a drainage area of 68 square miles.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Scandinavia's dam presents a very high risk due to its age and history of modifications dating back to 1921. The inspection frequency is set at 10 years, with the last assessment conducted in June 2013. While the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR), it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to advocate for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital infrastructure.

Years Modified

1921 - Other

Year Completed

1856

Dam Length

189

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

SOUTH BRANCH LITTLE WOLF

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

68

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.