Lower Eau Claire Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Eau Claire Lake, also known as Mooney, is a picturesque body of water located in Gordon, Wisconsin.


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Summary

This gravity dam was completed in 1938 and serves as a recreational hotspot for water enthusiasts in the area. With a height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 7,100 acre-feet, the dam provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities on its 802-acre surface area.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Lower Eau Claire Lake is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its fair condition assessment and low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a very high risk level due to its age and the surrounding area's susceptibility to potential risks. The dam has a controlled spillway to manage water flow and a drainage area of 109 square miles, making it an essential component of the local water resource infrastructure.

Visitors to Lower Eau Claire Lake can enjoy the serene surroundings and recreational opportunities while appreciating the dam's role in managing water levels and providing a source of outdoor enjoyment. With its rich history dating back to the 1930s and ongoing efforts to maintain its safety and functionality, Lower Eau Claire Lake stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

60

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

EAU CLAIRE

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

802

Hydraulic Height

4

Drainage Area

109

Nid Storage

7100

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.