New Auburn Wildlife Area Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

New Auburn Wildlife Area in Barron, Wisconsin is a state-owned recreational area situated along Beaver Creek, featuring an Earth dam completed in 1978.


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Summary

The dam stands at 6.5 feet high and serves various purposes including recreation, with a storage capacity of 480 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 115 acre-feet. The wildlife area covers a surface area of 115 acres and has a drainage area of 29.4 square miles, providing a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

The controlled spillway at New Auburn Wildlife Area helps regulate water flow, with a maximum discharge capacity of 200 cubic feet per second. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition, but it undergoes inspection every 10 years to ensure safety measures are in place. The risk assessment for the area is very high, indicating the importance of proactive management and monitoring to mitigate potential risks and ensure the protection of the surrounding ecosystem and communities. With its picturesque location and recreational opportunities, New Auburn Wildlife Area is a haven for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of Wisconsin's landscape.

Visitors to New Auburn Wildlife Area can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing along Beaver Creek. The area is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) and is a designated state-regulated site, with permits, inspections, and enforcement measures in place to ensure compliance with state regulations. Despite its low hazard potential, the wildlife area is subject to a high risk assessment, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management strategies to safeguard the integrity of the dam and surrounding environment. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or an outdoor adventure, New Auburn Wildlife Area offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities for water resource and climate enthusiasts to experience and enjoy.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

2500

Dam Height

6.5

River Or Stream

Beaver Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

115

Hydraulic Height

3.1

Drainage Area

29.4

Nid Storage

480

Structural Height

6.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

7
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.