Hartford Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hartford, a local government-owned dam located in Washington, Wisconsin, serves as a vital recreational resource along the Rubicon River.


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Summary

Built in 1844, this Gravity dam stands at a height of 13.7 meters and has a length of 290 meters, providing a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 11 acres for water activities.

Despite its age, Hartford dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in fair condition, last assessed in May 2020. The dam has a controlled spillway type and a maximum discharge capacity of 575 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment indicates a very high risk level, it is assigned a risk rating of 1, suggesting effective risk management measures in place. With state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement, Hartford dam is maintained to ensure public safety and continued recreational use.

Hartford dam's historical significance, combined with its role in water resource management and climate resilience, highlights the importance of preserving this iconic structure. As climate change impacts water systems, ensuring the safety and functionality of dams like Hartford becomes crucial in safeguarding communities and ecosystems. Through ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and risk management efforts, Hartford dam continues to provide recreational opportunities while upholding its role in water resource management for the region.

Years Modified

1930 - Other

Year Completed

1844

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

13.7

River Or Stream

RUBICON

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

25.7

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

13.7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.