Located in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, the Oconto Falls Upper dam is a concrete structure completed in 1902 with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.
Wind
Humidity
Designed by Orbison & Orbison, this dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a hydraulic height of 33 feet, with a storage capacity of 1700 acre-feet. The Oconto River, which the dam controls, has a drainage area of 750 square miles and a maximum discharge of 6921 cubic feet per second.
With a spillway width of 60 feet and controlled spillway type, the Oconto Falls Upper dam poses a high hazard potential and is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The dam also serves recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 166.5 acres for visitors to enjoy. Despite its age, the dam's risk assessment remains very high, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and the continued operation of this vital water resource infrastructure in the region.
Year Completed |
1902 |
Dam Length |
1914 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
Oconto River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
166.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
750 |
Nid Storage |
1700 |
Structural Height |
36.5 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 4 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
37 |
Oconto River Near Gillett
|
596cfs |
Oconto River Near Oconto
|
375cfs |
Peshtigo River At Peshtigo
|
488cfs |
Duck Creek Near Howard
|
27cfs |
Fox River At Oil Tank Depot At Green Bay
|
6470cfs |
Peshtigo River At Porterfield
|
532cfs |