Big Falls Milldam

Little Wolf· Waupaca, Wisconsin· Built 1926· Gravity· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Big Falls Milldam is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 45% in WI)
Dam Length256 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage150 acre-ft
Normal Storage81 acre-ft
Surface Area23 acres
Drainage Area183 sq mi
Max Discharge3,600 cfs
Year Completed1926 (100 years old)
NID IDWI00031

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 11, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Iowater Power Corporation

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Big Falls Milldam?

Big Falls Milldam 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 Big Falls Milldam?

Big Falls Milldam is owned by Iowater Power Corporation (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Big Falls Milldam built?

Big Falls Milldam was completed in 1926, making it 100 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 Big Falls Milldam?

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

How tall is Big Falls Milldam?

Big Falls Milldam has a dam height of 15 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 Big Falls Milldam last inspected?

Big Falls Milldam was last inspected on July 11, 2022. 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.