Menomonie

RED CEDAR· Dunn, Wisconsin· Built 1848· Gravity· 42 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Menomonie is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1848 and is 178 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 42 ft (taller than 94.4% in WI)
Dam Length540 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage20.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage15.9K acre-ft
Surface Area1,405 acres
Drainage Area1,761 sq mi
Max Discharge83,250 cfs
Year Completed1848 (178 years old)
NID IDWI00735

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
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Xcel Energy

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Menomonie?

Menomonie 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 Menomonie?

Menomonie is owned by Xcel Energy (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Menomonie built?

Menomonie was completed in 1848, making it 178 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 Menomonie?

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

How tall is Menomonie?

Menomonie has a dam height of 42 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.

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.