Marion

NORTH BRANCH PIGEON· Waupaca, Wisconsin· Built 1880· Gravity· 17 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

Marion is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 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 Length114 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage900 acre-ft
Normal Storage562 acre-ft
Surface Area108 acres
Drainage Area30 sq mi
Max Discharge680 cfs
Year Completed1880 (146 years old)
NID IDWI00090

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: November 4, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

City Of Marion

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Marion?

Marion 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 Marion?

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

When was Marion built?

Marion was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Marion?

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

How tall is Marion?

Marion 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 Marion last inspected?

Marion was last inspected on November 4, 2020. 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.