Little Chute Locks And Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Little Chute Locks and Dam, located on the Fox River in Outagamie, Wisconsin, serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, navigation, and recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1932 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this concrete dam with a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 20 feet has a length of 840 feet and a storage capacity of 650 acre-feet. The dam features two locks, each 144 feet long and 36 feet wide, and a controlled spillway with a width of 500 feet to manage water levels and prevent flooding.

With a significant hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular inspections and risk assessments to ensure its structural integrity and readiness for emergency situations. The US Army Corps of Engineers actively manages dam-related flood risks by monitoring the dam's condition, prioritizing risk-reduction activities, and collaborating with emergency managers and the public on emergency preparedness. The agency also updates the emergency action plan for the dam and conducts maintenance and repairs as needed to prevent issues and ensure the dam's proper functioning. As climate change increases the likelihood of severe weather events and flooding, the importance of effective risk management measures for structures like Little Chute Locks and Dam becomes even more critical for safeguarding water resources and communities downstream.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

840

River Or Stream

FOX

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

155

Length Of Locks

144

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

6108

Nid Storage

650

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

20
       
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.