Turtle-Flambeau

North Fork Flambeau· Iron, Wisconsin· Built 1926· Concrete· 26 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Turtle-Flambeau is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 Length9,150 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage239.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage135.0K acre-ft
Surface Area13,798 acres
Drainage Area666 sq mi
Max Discharge16,000 cfs
Year Completed1926 (100 years old)
NID IDWI00041

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: July 19, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Turtle-Flambeau?

Turtle-Flambeau 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 Turtle-Flambeau?

Turtle-Flambeau is owned by Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Turtle-Flambeau built?

Turtle-Flambeau was completed in 1926, making it 100 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 Turtle-Flambeau?

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

How tall is Turtle-Flambeau?

Turtle-Flambeau 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 Turtle-Flambeau last inspected?

Turtle-Flambeau was last inspected on July 19, 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.