Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6
Key Takeaway
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6 is classified as significant hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is navigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 17 ft (taller than 53.1% in WI) |
| Dam Length | 4,865 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 180.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 41.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8,870 acres |
| Drainage Area | 60,030 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 268,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | WI00802 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
USACE - St. Paul District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Gunderson-Marmsoler Detention
Winona, MN
Low Hazard 29 ftLittle Trout Detention No. 1
Winona, MN
Low Hazard 36 ftHomer 13
Winona, MN
Significant Hazard 27 ftPickwick Mill
Winona, MN
Significant Hazard 33 ftLittle Trout Detention No. 2
Winona, MN
Low Hazard 29 ftSouth Wind Orchard Driveway
Winona, MN
Low Hazard 22 ftFrench and Sacia
Trempealeau, WI
Significant Hazard 24 ftGalesville Mill
Trempealeau, WI
High Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6 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 Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6 is owned by USACE - St. Paul District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6 built?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6 was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6 serves the following purposes: Navigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6 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 Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6 last inspected?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6 was last inspected on May 15, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.