Lower Kaukauna Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lower Kaukauna, located in Outagamie, Wisconsin, is a hydroelectric dam on the Fox River with a rich history dating back to its completion in 1857.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, the dam also serves navigation and recreation purposes. The dam stands at 16 feet high with a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a length of 3050 feet, creating a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 51,400 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Lower Kaukauna poses a high hazard potential due to its condition assessment being listed as "Not Rated." The risk assessment for the dam is classified as "Very High (1)," emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and risk management measures. While it is not under the jurisdiction of the state for inspection, the dam is permitted by the state and regulated for enforcement, indicating the need for continued vigilance in ensuring its safety and functionality for both water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the region.

Lower Kaukauna's location and design make it a significant landmark on the Fox River, providing both environmental benefits and challenges for the surrounding ecosystem. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor and address the risks associated with aging infrastructure like Lower Kaukauna to ensure the continued sustainability of water resources and the protection of communities downstream.

Years Modified

1940 - Other

Year Completed

1857

Dam Length

3050

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

FOX

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

40

Length Of Locks

144

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

6229

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

16
       
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.