Pewaukee

PEWAUKEE· Waukesha, Wisconsin· Built 1842· Gravity· 14 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Pewaukee is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1842 and is 184 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 Length800 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage36.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage15.0K acre-ft
Surface Area2,493 acres
Drainage Area28 sq mi
Max Discharge120 cfs
Year Completed1842 (184 years old)
NID IDWI00336

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: September 28, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Village Of Pewaukee

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pewaukee?

Pewaukee 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 Pewaukee?

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

When was Pewaukee built?

Pewaukee was completed in 1842, making it 184 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 Pewaukee?

Pewaukee 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 Pewaukee?

Pewaukee 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 Pewaukee last inspected?

Pewaukee was last inspected on September 28, 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.