Buffalo Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buffalo Lake Dam, also known as Montello Dam, is a gravity dam located in Marquette, Wisconsin, along the Fox River.


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Summary

Built in 1922, the dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a length of 2800 feet. It serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water storage, with a maximum storage capacity of 19,000 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 10,000 acre-feet.

The dam is owned and regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam undergoes regular inspections every 10 years to assess its condition. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place, last revised in 2016, to guide response procedures and communicate with relevant stakeholders.

Buffalo Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. Its location in the beautiful city of Montello makes it a noteworthy structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and learn about the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety.

Year Completed

1922

Dam Length

2800

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

FOX

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

2210

Length Of Locks

137

Hydraulic Height

5

Drainage Area

398

Nid Storage

19000

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.