Lake Mills
Key Takeaway
Lake Mills is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1865 and is 161 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 | 17 ft (taller than 53.1% in WI) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 28.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 25.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,371 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 115 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1865 (161 years old) |
| NID ID | WI10222 |
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 Lake Mills
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Mills?
Lake Mills 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 Mills?
Lake Mills is owned by City of Lake Mills (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Mills built?
Lake Mills was completed in 1865, making it 161 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 Mills?
Lake 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 Lake Mills?
Lake Mills has a dam height of 17 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 Mills last inspected?
Lake Mills was last inspected on August 5, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.