Oconto Falls Lower

Oconto River· Oconto, Wisconsin· Built 1857· Rockfill· 22 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Other Private

Key Takeaway

Oconto Falls Lower is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1857 and is 169 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 64.9% in WI)
Dam Length425 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage51 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area759 sq mi
Max Discharge5,000 cfs
Year Completed1857 (169 years old)
NID IDWI00761

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 6, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

NEW Hydro, Inc

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Oconto Falls Lower?

Oconto Falls Lower 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 Oconto Falls Lower?

Oconto Falls Lower is owned by NEW Hydro, Inc (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Oconto Falls Lower built?

Oconto Falls Lower was completed in 1857, making it 169 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 Oconto Falls Lower?

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

How tall is Oconto Falls Lower?

Oconto Falls Lower has a dam height of 22 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 Oconto Falls Lower last inspected?

Oconto Falls Lower was last inspected on August 6, 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.