Barton

MILWAUKEE· Washington, Wisconsin· Built 1846· Gravity· 14 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Barton is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1846 and is 180 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 40.1% in WI)
Dam Length280 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage170 acre-ft
Normal Storage90 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area213 sq mi
Max Discharge2,793 cfs
Year Completed1846 (180 years old)
NID IDWI00218

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 15, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

City Of West Bend

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Barton?

Barton is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Barton?

Barton is owned by City Of West Bend (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Barton built?

Barton was completed in 1846, making it 180 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Barton?

Barton serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Barton?

Barton has a dam height of 14 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Barton last inspected?

Barton was last inspected on July 15, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.