Bear Lake
Key Takeaway
Bear Lake is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 22 ft (taller than 64.9% in WI) |
| Dam Length | 513 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 38.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 27.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,358 acres |
| Drainage Area | 60 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 933 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
| NID ID | WI00099 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Barron County
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bear Lake?
Bear Lake is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bear Lake?
Bear Lake is owned by Barron County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bear Lake built?
Bear Lake was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Bear Lake?
Bear Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake has a dam height of 22 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 Bear Lake last inspected?
Bear Lake was last inspected on July 21, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.