Summary of Major Drawdown at the Flambeau Hydro Station

Dairyland began a major drawdown at the Flambeau Reservoir in July 2007 to replace the Flambeau Hydroelectric Station’s dam floodgate seals, in addition to other important gate maintenance tasks.

Beginning Oct. 4, the reservoir was refilled gradually and carefully. Refilling continued throughout the month of October until the reservoir was returned to normal levels, by approximately the first week of November.

Background on the Drawdown:

A drawdown (about 30 ft.) was necessary to replace the Flambeau Hydroelectric Station’s dam floodgate seals, in addition to other important gate maintenance tasks. The drawdown began on July 9, 2007.

The Flambeau Station is a Federal Water Project, licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Dairyland’s new license for the Flambeau Station includes a drawdown management plan which must be approved by FERC and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

In addition to the drawdown, Dairyland cooperated with Rusk County and local conservation groups on a project to improve the Flambeau reservoir’s fish habitat. This project was coordinated in conjunction with the scheduled drawdown.

Note: Dairyland urges caution when using Lake Flambeau, due to possible lakebed debris near the water’s surface. Click here for the press release.

About the Flambeau Hydroelectric Station

The Flambeau Station, located on the Flambeau River five miles northeast of Ladysmith, has been generating electricity for Dairyland members since 1951. This water-powered facility can generate 24 MW of electricity.

In April 2004, Dairyland was awarded a new facility license for the Flambeau Hydro Station by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The license will not expire until Jan. 31, 2037.

For additional information on the Flambeau Station, click here to plant page.