Lake Leota
Key Takeaway
Lake Leota is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 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 | 520 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 220 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 41 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,770 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
| NID ID | WI00811 |
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
City of Evansville
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Leota?
Lake Leota 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 Lake Leota?
Lake Leota is owned by City of Evansville (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Leota built?
Lake Leota was completed in 1950, making it 76 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 Lake Leota?
Lake Leota 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 Lake Leota?
Lake Leota 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 Lake Leota last inspected?
Lake Leota was last inspected on July 7, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.