Menomonie Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Menomonie is a private hydroelectric dam located in Dunn County, Wisconsin, along the Red Cedar River.


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Summary

Built in 1848, this gravity dam stands at a height of 42 feet and has a structural height of 42 feet, with a length of 540 feet. It serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and recreation, with a normal storage capacity of 15,900 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 20,500 acre-feet.

With a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, Menomonie dam is considered to be in a risky condition, although the condition assessment is currently not rated. The dam has not been inspected recently, with an inspection frequency of every 2 years. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in December 2019, but it is unclear if it meets current guidelines. Despite these challenges, Menomonie dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and energy production in the area, under the jurisdiction of the state of Wisconsin and the oversight of the Detroit District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Years Modified

1957 - Other

Year Completed

1848

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

RED CEDAR

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

1405

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

1761

Nid Storage

20500

Structural Height

42

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

42
       
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.