Pella

EMBARRASS· Shawano, Wisconsin· Built 1883· Gravity· 18 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

Pella is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1883 and is 143 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 55.3% in WI)
Dam Length213 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage460 acre-ft
Normal Storage315 acre-ft
Surface Area69 acres
Drainage Area334 sq mi
Max Discharge4,500 cfs
Year Completed1883 (143 years old)
NID IDWI00202

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: August 17, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

TOWN OF PELLA

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pella?

Pella 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 Pella?

Pella is owned by TOWN OF PELLA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pella built?

Pella was completed in 1883, making it 143 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 Pella?

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

How tall is Pella?

Pella has a dam height of 18 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 Pella last inspected?

Pella was last inspected on August 17, 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.