Fishtrap Lake
Key Takeaway
Fishtrap Lake is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 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 | 12 ft (taller than 30.4% in WI) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 216 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | WI00304 |
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
Sawyer County
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fishtrap Lake?
Fishtrap Lake 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 Fishtrap Lake?
Fishtrap Lake is owned by Sawyer County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fishtrap Lake built?
Fishtrap Lake was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Fishtrap Lake?
Fishtrap Lake 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 Fishtrap Lake?
Fishtrap Lake has a dam height of 12 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 Fishtrap Lake last inspected?
Fishtrap Lake was last inspected on September 24, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.