Pickerel Canal Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pickerel Canal, located in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, is a gravity dam completed in 1937 with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.


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Summary

The dam stands at 12 feet high with a spillway width of 22 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 564 cubic feet per second. The associated river and stream, Pickerel Canal and Gilmore Creek, contribute to the dam's water source, providing a storage capacity of 7,231 acre-feet.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Pickerel Canal serves the dual purposes of flood risk reduction and hydroelectric power generation. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a very high risk due to its critical role in water resource management in the region. Regular inspections, with an interval of every three years, ensure the dam's continued safety and functionality, with emergency action plans in place to address any unforeseen events.

Overall, Pickerel Canal is a vital structure in the water resource infrastructure of Oneida County, contributing to both energy production and flood control efforts. Its historical significance as a key component of the region's water management system underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure its long-term viability in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

28

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Pickerel Canal, Gilmore Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Hydraulic Height

6.5

Nid Storage

7231

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

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.