Rothschild Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Situated in Marathon, Wisconsin, the Rothschild Dam, completed in 1911, stands as a historic landmark on the Wisconsin River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Owned privately, the dam serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, recreation, wildlife conservation, and water supply for the surrounding area. With a height of 27 feet and a length of 883 feet, the dam boasts a normal storage capacity of 13,900 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 84,000 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Rothschild Dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and design. It features a controlled spillway with a width of 631 feet and ten radial outlet gates for water control. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is not available, highlighting the importance of regular inspection and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety for nearby communities and ecosystems. The dam's risk assessment categorizes it as very high, underscoring the critical need for effective risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards.

In the event of an emergency, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan prepared, indicating a potential gap in readiness for unforeseen events. With its rich history, significant impact on the environment and community, and key role in water resource management, the Rothschild Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of infrastructure, sustainability, and risk management in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

883

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

Wisconsin River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

1604

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

4016

Nid Storage

19000

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 10

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.