Billy Boy
Key Takeaway
Billy Boy is classified as significant hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 13 ft (taller than 35.2% in WI) |
| Dam Length | 40 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 53.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 28.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8,464 acres |
| Drainage Area | 110 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 910 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | WI00305 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Sawyer County
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Billy Boy?
Billy Boy is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Billy Boy?
Billy Boy is owned by Sawyer County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Billy Boy built?
Billy Boy was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Billy Boy?
Billy Boy 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 Billy Boy?
Billy Boy has a dam height of 13 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 Billy Boy last inspected?
Billy Boy was last inspected on April 20, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.