Tomah Lake
Key Takeaway
Tomah Lake is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. 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 | 16 ft (taller than 48.8% in WI) |
| Dam Length | 1,657 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 980 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 225 acres |
| Drainage Area | 30 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | WI00161 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
City Of Tomah
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Tomah Lake?
Tomah 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 Tomah Lake?
Tomah Lake is owned by City Of Tomah (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Tomah Lake built?
Tomah Lake was completed in 1936, making it 90 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
How tall is Tomah Lake?
Tomah Lake has a dam height of 16 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 Tomah Lake last inspected?
Tomah Lake was last inspected on July 30, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.