Eau Claire River
Key Takeaway
Eau Claire River is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 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 | 40 ft (taller than 92.6% in WI) |
| Dam Length | 270 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 17.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 870 acres |
| Drainage Area | 605 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 25,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | WI00010 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Eau Claire County
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Eau Claire River?
Eau Claire River 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 Eau Claire River?
Eau Claire River is owned by Eau Claire County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Eau Claire River built?
Eau Claire River was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Eau Claire River?
Eau Claire River 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 Eau Claire River?
Eau Claire River has a dam height of 40 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 Eau Claire River last inspected?
Eau Claire River was last inspected on September 21, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.