Little Falls
Key Takeaway
Little Falls is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1895 and is 131 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 | 30 ft (taller than 81.6% in WI) |
| Dam Length | 370 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 172 acres |
| Drainage Area | 171 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1895 (131 years old) |
| NID ID | WI00053 |
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
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
State Government
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High Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Little Falls?
Little Falls 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 Little Falls?
Little Falls is owned by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Little Falls built?
Little Falls was completed in 1895, making it 131 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 Little Falls?
Little Falls 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 Little Falls?
Little Falls has a dam height of 30 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 Little Falls last inspected?
Little Falls was last inspected on October 21, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.