Harrisville

MONTELLO CREEK· Marquette, Wisconsin· Built 1853· Gravity· 15 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Harrisville is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1853 and is 173 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 15 ft (taller than 45% in WI)
Dam Length700 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage1.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage800 acre-ft
Surface Area245 acres
Drainage Area78 sq mi
Max Discharge2,700 cfs
Year Completed1853 (173 years old)
NID IDWI00074

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: October 20, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Town Of Harris

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Harrisville?

Harrisville 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 Harrisville?

Harrisville is owned by Town Of Harris (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Harrisville built?

Harrisville was completed in 1853, making it 173 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 Harrisville?

Harrisville serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Harrisville?

Harrisville 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 Harrisville last inspected?

Harrisville was last inspected on October 20, 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.