Osseo

SOUTH FORK BUFFALO· Trempealeau, Wisconsin· Built 1860· Gravity· 14 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Osseo is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1860 and is 166 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 14 ft (taller than 40.1% in WI)
Dam Length451 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage100 acre-ft
Normal Storage45 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area39 sq mi
Max Discharge2,000 cfs
Year Completed1860 (166 years old)
NID IDWI10621

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
Last Inspection: May 29, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

City Of Osseo

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Osseo?

Osseo 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 Osseo?

Osseo is owned by City Of Osseo (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Osseo built?

Osseo was completed in 1860, making it 166 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 Osseo?

Osseo 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 Osseo?

Osseo has a dam height of 14 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 Osseo last inspected?

Osseo was last inspected on May 29, 2020. 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.