Cedar Falls Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Cedar Falls, located in Menomonie, Wisconsin, is a hydroelectric dam on the Red Cedar River that has been providing renewable energy since its completion in 1910.


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Summary

With a dam height of 63 feet and a storage capacity of 23,000 acre-feet, Cedar Falls plays a crucial role in both energy generation and recreation in the area. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric, but it also offers opportunities for recreational activities given its scenic location.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Cedar Falls has a spillway width of 300 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 52,750 cubic feet per second. While the dam has a high hazard potential due to its structural design and height, it is regularly inspected to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's condition assessment is currently not available, but emergency action plans and risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks.

Overall, Cedar Falls stands as a historic and vital structure in the region, contributing to both energy production and water resource management. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, the insights provided by this data showcase the importance of sustainable infrastructure like Cedar Falls in harnessing the power of water resources for the benefit of local communities and the environment.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

508

Dam Height

63

River Or Stream

Red Cedar

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

1800

Hydraulic Height

52

Drainage Area

1692

Nid Storage

23000

Structural Height

63

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

63
       
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.