Upper Green Lake

PUCHYAN· Green Lake, Wisconsin· Built 1869· Gravity· 8 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Green Lake is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1869 and is 157 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 8 ft (taller than 5.5% in WI)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage40.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage30.0K acre-ft
Surface Area7,346 acres
Drainage Area115 sq mi
Max Discharge414 cfs
Year Completed1869 (157 years old)
NID IDWI00633

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 5, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

City Of Green Lake

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Green Lake?

Upper Green 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 Upper Green Lake?

Upper Green Lake is owned by City Of Green Lake (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Green Lake built?

Upper Green Lake was completed in 1869, making it 157 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 Green Lake?

Upper Green Lake 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 Green Lake?

Upper Green Lake has a dam height of 8 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 Green Lake last inspected?

Upper Green Lake was last inspected on October 5, 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.