Fairchild Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Fairchild is a gravity dam located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, along Schoolhouse Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1955, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a height of 9 feet and a length of 100 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 58 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 250 cubic feet per second. The dam has a low hazard potential but is in poor condition, as assessed in August 2019.

Despite its poor condition, Fairchild dam remains under state regulation and inspection by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR). The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating the need for some risk management measures. While no emergency action plan (EAP) or inundation maps have been prepared for the dam, the inspection frequency is set at 10 years to monitor its safety and functionality. With its picturesque location and historical significance, Fairchild dam serves as a valuable resource for water and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Years Modified

1990 - Other

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Schoolhouse Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

12

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.