Completed in 1907, this hydroelectric structure serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. With a storage capacity of 670 acre-feet and a drainage area of 301 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Owned by a public utility and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, White River Dam has a low hazard potential and is regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 50 feet and two Tainter (radial) outlet gates. Despite its age, the dam's risk assessment is rated as very high (1), highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to protect both the structure and the surrounding environment.
With its picturesque location and significant contribution to the local water infrastructure, White River Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, the White River Dam serves as a compelling example of the vital role that hydroelectric structures play in balancing the needs of communities, ecosystems, and energy production in a changing climate landscape.
Year Completed |
1907 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
White River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
50 |
Drainage Area |
301 |
Nid Storage |
670 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
White River Near Ashland
|
138cfs |
Whittlesey Creek Near Ashland
|
17cfs |
North Fish Creek Near Moquah
|
55cfs |
Bad River Near Odanah
|
304cfs |
Bad River Near Mellen
|
101cfs |
Namekagon River At Leonards
|
111cfs |