Wausau Detached dam
Wausau Detached
Wausau Detached is a captivating hydroelectric structure located in Marathon, Wisconsin, along the beautiful Wisconsin River. Built in 1930, this gravity dam stands at 28 feet high and spans 339 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 2800 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation and recreational activities, making it a vital asset for the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Wausau Detached boasts a controlled spillway and two Tainter radial gates for water discharge control. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is rated with a very high risk assessment due to its age and structural condition assessment that is currently not available. With a designated emergency action plan and regular inspection frequency, the dam is well-prepared to handle any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.
The picturesque scenery and functional design of Wausau Detached make it a must-visit destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its historical significance and environmental impact, this hydroelectric structure continues to play a crucial role in providing sustainable energy and recreational opportunities for the residents of Marathon, Wisconsin.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Wausau Detached -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Eau Claire River At Kelly | 249 cfs | → |
| Wisconsin River At Rothschild | 4,780 cfs | → |
| Rib River At Rib Falls | 791 cfs | → |
| Wisconsin River At Merrill | 3,380 cfs | → |
| Prairie River Near Merrill | 206 cfs | → |
| Big Eau Pleine River At Stratford | 124 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Wausau Detached .
Boat launches
- Wisconsin River - Lake Wausau -- Access - Nr River Drive
- Memorial Park Boat Ramp
- Lake Wausau -- Access At 3rd Ave
- Wisconsin River -- Access At Wausau Nr E Randolph St
- Big Rib River/Lake Wausau -- Access At Mallard Lane
- Wisconsin River -- Access At Wausau Off 6th
Campgrounds
- Marathon Park
- Rib Mountain State Park
- Dells Of The Eau Claire Park - Wausau
- Council Grounds State Park
- South Unit Campground
- West Unit Campground
More reservoirs
Track Wausau Detached in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Wausau Detached
Where does the data for Wausau Detached come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Wausau Detached .