Lake Owen Outlet Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Owen Outlet in Wisconsin is a federally owned water resource managed by the USDA Forest Service, designed for recreational purposes such as fishing and wildlife observation.


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Summary

Built in 1936, this earth dam stands at 12 feet high and spans 50 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 4,900 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,050 acres. The outlet controls the flow of the Long Lake Branch, with a maximum discharge capacity of 60 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway width of 3 feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, Lake Owen Outlet has a moderate risk rating due to its age and lack of recent inspection data. The condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," and emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), are not currently in place. While the outlet is not regulated by the state, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service for operations, inspections, and regulatory oversight. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the Lake Owen Outlet an intriguing case study of a historic dam serving both recreational and ecological purposes in northern Wisconsin.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

50

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

LONG LAKE BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1050

Hydraulic Height

4

Drainage Area

13

Nid Storage

4900

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.