Buffalo Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Buffalo Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 13 ft (taller than 35.2% in WI) |
| Dam Length | 2,800 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 19.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 10.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,210 acres |
| Drainage Area | 398 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,100 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1922 (104 years old) |
| NID ID | WI01015 |
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
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
State Government
Nearby Dams
Montello Granite
Marquette, WI
High Hazard 24 ftDuffy'S Marsh
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Low Hazard 8 ftGrand River Marsh
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Low Hazard 16 ftHarrisville
Marquette, WI
High Hazard 15 ftRichards Mill
Marquette, WI
Significant Hazard 13 ftGermania (Lower)
Marquette, WI
Low Hazard 11 ftPrinceton
Green Lake, WI
Low Hazard 8 ftWestfield
Marquette, WI
Low Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Buffalo Lake Dam?
Buffalo Lake Dam 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 Buffalo Lake Dam?
Buffalo Lake Dam is owned by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Buffalo Lake Dam built?
Buffalo Lake Dam was completed in 1922, making it 104 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
How tall is Buffalo Lake Dam?
Buffalo Lake Dam 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 Buffalo Lake Dam last inspected?
Buffalo Lake Dam was last inspected on August 31, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.