Rest Lake

MANITOWISH· Vilas, Wisconsin· Built 1925· Gravity· 25 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Rest Lake is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1925 and is 101 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 25 ft (taller than 70.9% in WI)
Dam Length320 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage68.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage32.0K acre-ft
Surface Area4,200 acres
Drainage Area243 sq mi
Max Discharge7,570 cfs
Year Completed1925 (101 years old)
NID IDWI00211

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: June 28, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Xcel Energy

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rest Lake?

Rest Lake 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 Rest Lake?

Rest Lake is owned by Xcel Energy (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rest Lake built?

Rest Lake was completed in 1925, making it 101 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 Rest Lake?

Rest Lake 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 Rest Lake?

Rest Lake has a dam height of 25 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 Rest Lake last inspected?

Rest Lake was last inspected on June 28, 2022. 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.