Centralia Reservoir Report
Nearby: Port Edwards Four Mile Creek
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Centralia, located in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, is a historic hydroelectric dam on the Wisconsin River with a gravity design that was completed in 1887.
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Summary
The dam stands at 30 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 15.5 feet and a structural height of 30 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 1950 acre-feet and serving multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. With a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, Centralia is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 870 feet and is equipped with 13 Tainter radial gates for water flow control. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as not available, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks associated with its operation. With its rich history, significant role in water resource management, and picturesque location on the Wisconsin River, Centralia serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of historic infrastructure and environmental sustainability in the region.
Overall, Centralia represents a blend of engineering ingenuity, natural beauty, and regulatory oversight, making it a key landmark in the water management landscape of Wisconsin. As communities continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change on water resources, the importance of maintaining and safeguarding structures like Centralia becomes increasingly vital to ensure the continued resilience of water infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges. With its unique design, historical significance, and critical role in power generation and recreation, Centralia stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1887 |
Dam Length |
1325 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
Wisconsin River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
250 |
Hydraulic Height |
15.5 |
Drainage Area |
5400 |
Nid Storage |
1950 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 13 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wisconsin River At Wisconsin Rapids
|
1610cfs |
Tenmile Creek Near Nekoosa
|
25cfs |
Yellow River At Babcock
|
44cfs |
Yellow River At Necedah
|
44cfs |
Tomorrow River Near Nelsonville
|
24cfs |
Big Eau Pleine River At Stratford
|
27cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Centralia
Wisconsin River -- Access at Wi Rapids Off Hwy 73