Upper Brunet

BRUNET· Sawyer, Wisconsin· Built 1939· Gravity· 17 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Brunet 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 17 ft (taller than 53.1% in WI)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage1.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage752 acre-ft
Surface Area137 acres
Drainage Area30 sq mi
Max Discharge5,500 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDWI00199

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: November 3, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Sawyer County

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Brunet?

Upper Brunet 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 Upper Brunet?

Upper Brunet is owned by Sawyer County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Brunet built?

Upper Brunet 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 Upper Brunet?

Upper Brunet 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 Upper Brunet?

Upper Brunet has a dam height of 17 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 Upper Brunet last inspected?

Upper Brunet was last inspected on November 3, 2020. 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.