Chilton

SOUTH BRANCH MANITOWOC· Calumet, Wisconsin· Built 1850· Gravity· 13 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Chilton is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1850 and is 176 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 13 ft (taller than 35.2% in WI)
Dam Length80 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage90 acre-ft
Normal Storage46 acre-ft
Surface Area46 acres
Drainage Area75 sq mi
Max Discharge1,035 cfs
Year Completed1850 (176 years old)
NID IDWI00104

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: June 23, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

City of Chilton

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Chilton?

Chilton 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 Chilton?

Chilton is owned by City of Chilton (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Chilton built?

Chilton was completed in 1850, making it 176 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 Chilton?

Chilton 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 Chilton?

Chilton 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 Chilton last inspected?

Chilton was last inspected on June 23, 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.