Osseo Reservoir Report
Nearby: Osseo Rod And Gun Club Skoyen
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Osseo, located in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, is home to the Osseo Roller Mill, a local government-owned dam on the South Fork Buffalo River.
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Summary
This gravity dam, completed in 1860, serves primarily for recreation purposes and stands at a height of 14 feet with a structural height of 14 feet and a length of 451 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a drainage area of 38.9 square miles, making it a significant feature in the area.
With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the Osseo dam is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance. The risk assessment for the dam is categorized as very high, emphasizing the importance of proper management measures and emergency preparedness. Despite being an older structure, the Osseo Roller Mill dam continues to provide recreational opportunities and serves as a valuable asset to the community.
In recent years, the dam has undergone modifications in 1937 and 1997, showcasing efforts to maintain and improve its functionality. With a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge of 2000 cubic feet per second, the Osseo dam remains a key feature in the area's water resource management. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like the Osseo Roller Mill dam in maintaining water availability and safety is crucial for sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the region.
Years Modified |
1937 - Other, 1997 - Other |
Year Completed |
1860 |
Dam Length |
451 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK BUFFALO |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
38.9 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Chippewa River At Chippewa Falls
|
1490cfs |
Trempealeau River At Arcadia
|
400cfs |
Black River Ds St Hwy 54 @ Black River Falls
|
256cfs |
Black River At Neillsville
|
193cfs |
Trempealeau River At Dodge
|
953cfs |
Black River Near Galesville
|
862cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Osseo