Estabrook Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Estabrook Park, located in Shorewood, Wisconsin, is a recreational haven nestled along the beautiful Milwaukee River.


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Summary

This park boasts a historic gravity dam that was completed in 1940, standing at 15 feet tall and stretching 562 feet in length. The dam serves as a key feature for water enthusiasts and climate advocates to marvel at, providing both structural and hydraulic benefits to the surrounding area.

Despite its age, the dam at Estabrook Park is considered to have low hazard potential but is in poor condition, as evidenced by a 2017 assessment. However, the risk assessment for the dam is classified as very high due to its critical role in managing water levels and potential flooding in the region. With a normal storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 25,800 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the Milwaukee River and protecting the park and surrounding communities.

Visitors to Estabrook Park can explore the park's 103-acre surface area, engage in recreational activities, and appreciate the engineering marvel of the gravity dam. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, the preservation and maintenance of structures like the dam at Estabrook Park are essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of this vital waterway and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

562

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

MILWAUKEE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

103

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

694

Nid Storage

700

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.