Merrill

Wisconsin River· Lincoln, Wisconsin· Built 1913· Gravity· 23 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Merrill is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 67% in WI)
Dam Length705 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage605 acre-ft
Normal Storage600 acre-ft
Surface Area373 acres
Drainage Area2,721 sq mi
Max Discharge29,500 cfs
Year Completed1913 (113 years old)
NID IDWI00742

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: August 17, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Alexander

Lincoln, WI

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Camp Birch Trails

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Grandfather Falls

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High Hazard 32 ft

Carl

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Low Hazard 11 ft

June Lake

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Low Hazard 9 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Merrill?

Merrill 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 Merrill?

Merrill is owned by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Merrill built?

Merrill was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Merrill?

Merrill 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 Merrill?

Merrill has a dam height of 23 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 Merrill last inspected?

Merrill was last inspected on August 17, 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.