Ogema Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ogema, located in Price County, Wisconsin, is home to a gravity dam on Holmes Creek that was completed in 1875 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 13 feet and a capacity of 55 acre-feet, the dam serves as a low hazard structure with fair condition assessment. The dam has a hydraulic height of 6 feet and a maximum discharge of 660 cubic feet per second, making it a vital component of the local water resource management system.

Managed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Wisconsin DNR, the Ogema dam plays a significant role in the region's water and climate resilience. Despite being modified in 1966 and having a controlled spillway type, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a frequency of inspection every 10 years. The surrounding area, encompassing a surface area of 6 acres and a drainage area of 5 acres, benefits from the dam's ability to provide water storage and flood control measures.

Given its historical significance and ongoing maintenance, Ogema's gravity dam remains an essential infrastructure for the community. With the involvement of local government and federal agencies, including the NRCS and DNR, the dam continues to uphold its primary purpose of recreation while ensuring the safety and sustainability of the water resources in Price County, Wisconsin.

Years Modified

1966 - Other

Year Completed

1875

Dam Length

160

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

HOLMES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

55

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.