Little St Germain Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little St Germain is a historic hydroelectric dam located in Vilas, Wisconsin, along the picturesque Little St Germain River.


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Summary

Built in 1908, this gravity dam stands at 8.5 feet tall and boasts a storage capacity of 11,364 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction and hydroelectric power generation, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by a public utility, Little St Germain Dam is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its age and condition assessment being unavailable. Emergency action plans are in place, although they have not been updated recently. The dam's controlled spillway and slide gate outlet demonstrate its commitment to effective water management and flood control.

Overall, Little St Germain Dam serves as a historic landmark and a key component in the water resource infrastructure of Vilas County, Wisconsin. Its role in flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, and water management highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure the safety and well-being of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

104

Dam Height

8.5

River Or Stream

Little St Germain River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Hydraulic Height

5.1

Drainage Area

19

Nid Storage

11364

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

9
       
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.