White River Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

White River, located in Ashland, Wisconsin, is a gravity dam with a height of 30 feet and a length of 800 feet.


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Summary

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
       
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.