South Wood County Park

FOURMILE & BUENA VISTA CREEKS· Wood, Wisconsin· Built 1939· Gravity· 26 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

South Wood County Park is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 26 ft (taller than 73.4% in WI)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage1.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.2K acre-ft
Surface Area148 acres
Drainage Area134 sq mi
Max Discharge1,540 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDWI00060

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: October 29, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Wood County

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of South Wood County Park?

South Wood County Park 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 South Wood County Park?

South Wood County Park is owned by Wood County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was South Wood County Park built?

South Wood County Park was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 South Wood County Park?

South Wood County 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 South Wood County Park?

South Wood County Park has a dam height of 26 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 South Wood County Park last inspected?

South Wood County Park was last inspected on October 29, 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.