Udeys

CRAWFISH· Columbia, Wisconsin· Built 1917· Gravity· 14 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Udeys is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1917 and is 109 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 Length350 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage185 acre-ft
Normal Storage90 acre-ft
Surface Area26 acres
Drainage Area164 sq mi
Max Discharge4,250 cfs
Year Completed1917 (109 years old)
NID IDWI00114

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

City of Columbus

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Udeys?

Udeys 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 Udeys?

Udeys is owned by City of Columbus (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Udeys built?

Udeys was completed in 1917, making it 109 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 Udeys?

Udeys 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 Udeys?

Udeys 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 Udeys last inspected?

Udeys 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.