Otter Rapids Dam

Otter Rapids Dam Quick Facts

Location: Vilas, Wisconsin
Coordinates: 45.9033, -89.32
River: Wisconsin River
Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric
Type: Gravity Earth
Commissioned: 1907
Dam Height: 20 ft (6 m)
Dam Length: 474 ft (144 m)
Dam Capacity: 42,280 acre-ft (52,152 Ml)
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Otter Rapids Dam Map

Otter Rapids Dam Information

Otter Rapids Dam is a gravity earth dam located about 8 miles from St Germain, Vilas, Wisconsin.

The dam, which is on the Wisconsin River, was primarily built for Hydroelectric purposes, but also serves for Recreation benefits.

The dam was designed by JACOBSON & DE GUENE and commissioned in 1907 and is currently owned by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.

Otter Rapids Dam Structure

The Otter Rapids Dam is approximately 474 feet (144 m) long, 20 feet (6 m) high and has a structural volume of cubic yards (0 cubic metres).

Otter Rapids Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 42,279 acre-ft (52,150 Ml) and maximum capacity of 42,280 acre-ft (52,152 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 3,916 acres (1,585 ha) and the total catchment area is 535 square miles (1,386 square kilometres).

Otter Rapids Dam Spillway

The dam has a 48 feet (15 m) wide controlled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 12700 cubic feet per second (360 cubic metres per second).

Otter Rapids Dam Compared to Five Famous American Dams

Height (ft)
Length (Ft)
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
Drainage Area (sq miles)
 
Otter Rapids Dam
Vilas, Wisconsin
Height (ft)
20
Length (Ft)
474
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
42,280
Drainage Area (sq miles)
535
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Height (ft)
730
Length (Ft)
1,244
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
30,237,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
167,800
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Height (ft)
550
Length (Ft)
5,673
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
9,562,0000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
74,100
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Height (ft)
357
Length (Ft)
1,208
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,411,500
Drainage Area (sq miles)
5,736
Oroville Dam
Butte County, California
Height (ft)
235
Length (Ft)
6,920
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,540,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
3,611
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft)
216
Length (Ft)
1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
108,355

Otter Rapids Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Otter Rapids Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Otter Rapids Dam

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Otter Rapids Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Otter Rapids Dam?

Otter Rapids Dam is in Wisconsin.

In which county is the Otter Rapids Dam?

Otter Rapids Dam is in Vilas County.

How high is the Otter Rapids Dam?

Otter Rapids Dam is 20 feet high.

How long is the Otter Rapids Dam?

Otter Rapids Dam is 474 feet long.

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More Dams in Vilas County:

Big St Germain Dam
Buckatahpon Dam
Fishtrap Dam
Lac Vieux Desert Dam
Little St Germain Dam
Long-On-Deerskin Dam
Otter Rapids Dam
Rest Lake Dam
Turtle Lake Dam
Twin Lakes Dam

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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