Middle Eau Claire Lake

EAU CLAIRE· Bayfield, Wisconsin· Built 1939· Gravity· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Middle Eau Claire Lake is classified as significant hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 48.8% in WI)
Dam Length100 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage6.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.0K acre-ft
Surface Area902 acres
Drainage Area57 sq mi
Max Discharge275 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDWI00523

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 25, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Bayfield County

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Middle Eau Claire Lake?

Middle Eau Claire Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Middle Eau Claire Lake?

Middle Eau Claire Lake is owned by Bayfield County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Middle Eau Claire Lake built?

Middle Eau Claire Lake was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Middle Eau Claire Lake?

Middle Eau Claire Lake 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 Middle Eau Claire Lake?

Middle Eau Claire Lake has a dam height of 16 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 Middle Eau Claire Lake last inspected?

Middle Eau Claire Lake was last inspected on April 25, 2019. 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.