Pattison State Park

Black River· Douglas, Wisconsin· Built 1931· Gravity· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Pattison State Park is classified as significant hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1931 and is 95 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 60.1% in WI)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage340 acre-ft
Normal Storage180 acre-ft
Surface Area27 acres
Drainage Area78 sq mi
Max Discharge4,194 cfs
Year Completed1931 (95 years old)
NID IDWI00127

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: September 30, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pattison State Park?

Pattison State Park 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 Pattison State Park?

Pattison State Park is owned by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pattison State Park built?

Pattison State Park was completed in 1931, making it 95 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 Pattison State Park?

Pattison State Park 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 Pattison State Park?

Pattison State Park has a dam height of 20 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 Pattison State Park last inspected?

Pattison State Park was last inspected on September 30, 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.