Beaver Dam Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beaver Dam Lake, also known as Cumberland Lake, is a picturesque reservoir located in Barron County, Wisconsin.


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Summary

Managed by the local government, this earth dam was completed in 1942 and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a structural height of 6.1 meters and a length of 400 meters, the lake has a storage capacity of 12,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1,163 acres.

The dam is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) and undergoes regular state inspections, ensuring its safety and functionality. Despite a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the risk assessment categorizes the dam as very high. The controlled spillway and maximum discharge of 441 cubic feet per second help manage the water flow from the Hay River, which feeds into the lake.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts visiting Beaver Dam Lake can enjoy its serene surroundings and opportunities for outdoor recreation. While the dam's risk assessment may raise concerns, its state-regulated status provides assurance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

6.1

River Or Stream

Hay River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1163

Hydraulic Height

0.6

Drainage Area

20

Nid Storage

12000

Structural Height

6.1

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

6
       
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.