Lower Hydro

North Fork Flambeau· Price, Wisconsin· Built 1923· Gravity· 22 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Lower Hydro is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1923 and is 103 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 64.9% in WI)
Dam Length340 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage570 acre-ft
Normal Storage570 acre-ft
Surface Area71 acres
Drainage Area762 sq mi
Max Discharge16,200 cfs
Year Completed1923 (103 years old)
NID IDWI00785

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 13, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Flambeau Hydro, Llc

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Hydro?

Lower Hydro is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lower Hydro?

Lower Hydro is owned by Flambeau Hydro, Llc (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Hydro built?

Lower Hydro was completed in 1923, making it 103 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 Lower Hydro?

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

How tall is Lower Hydro?

Lower Hydro has a dam height of 22 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 Lower Hydro last inspected?

Lower Hydro was last inspected on July 13, 2022. 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.