Columbia Mills
Key Takeaway
Columbia Mills is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 15 ft (taller than 45% in WI) |
| Dam Length | 95 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 80 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 35 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15 acres |
| Drainage Area | 121 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,334 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1914 (112 years old) |
| NID ID | WI00283 |
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
City of Cedarburg
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Columbia Mills?
Columbia Mills 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 Columbia Mills?
Columbia Mills is owned by City of Cedarburg (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Columbia Mills built?
Columbia Mills was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Columbia Mills?
Columbia Mills 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 Columbia Mills?
Columbia Mills 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 Columbia Mills last inspected?
Columbia Mills was last inspected on June 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.