Lake Wingra Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Wingra, also known as Dead Lake Locks, is a charming recreational spot located in Madison, Wisconsin.


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Summary

Managed by the local government, this picturesque lake serves as a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a gravity dam type and a structural height of 8 feet, Lake Wingra was completed in 1930 and offers a serene surface area of 345 acres for visitors to enjoy.

The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, and it provides a storage capacity of 2600 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 1600 acre-feet. The lake is fed by Murphy's Creek and has a drainage area of 6 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, Lake Wingra is inspected regularly to ensure its safety, with the last assessment conducted in January 2020, resulting in a satisfactory condition assessment.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Dane County, Lake Wingra offers a tranquil setting for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and birdwatching. Whether you're looking to relax by the water's edge or explore the surrounding trails, this hidden gem provides a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts seeking to connect with the environment and appreciate the importance of responsible water resource management in a changing climate.

Years Modified

2009 - Other

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

25

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

MURPHY'S CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

345

Hydraulic Height

3

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

2600

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.