Paper Mill

LA CROSSE RIVER· Monroe, Wisconsin· Built 1865· Gravity· 14 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Paper Mill is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1865 and is 161 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 40.1% in WI)
Dam Length910 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage382 acre-ft
Normal Storage160 acre-ft
Surface Area33 acres
Drainage Area143 sq mi
Max Discharge3,500 cfs
Year Completed1865 (161 years old)
NID IDWI00280

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: Yes
Last Inspection: January 13, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

City Of Sparta

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Paper Mill?

Paper Mill 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 Paper Mill?

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

When was Paper Mill built?

Paper Mill was completed in 1865, making it 161 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 Paper Mill?

Paper Mill 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 Paper Mill?

Paper Mill 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 Paper Mill last inspected?

Paper Mill was last inspected on January 13, 2021. 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.