For Release: 01/15/2026
Residents, public reminded to use caution near hydroelectric dams as drawdowns begin
Key points at a glance
- Wisconsin River Power Co. is beginning its annual drawdowns at its hydroelectric power plants.
- The 2026 drawdowns are beginning next week to allow for maintenance to be safely performed
this winter.
- Water levels will be reduced, and thin or unstable ice conditions may occur.
Necedah — Wisconsin River Power Co. (WRPCO) is sharing important safety steps to
take ahead of its yearly drawdowns at its hydroelectric power plants in Adams and Juneau counties.
Drawdown details
A drawdown is a controlled process in which a hydroelectric dam's water reservoir is gradually
lowered. WRPCO will begin lowering the reservoir at its Petenwell Dam on Monday, Jan. 19, and at
its Castle Rock Dam on Sunday, Feb. 1.
The drawdowns are beginning next week to allow WRPCO to safely perform maintenance work at the
Castle Rock Dam this winter.
WRPCO performs drawdowns each year to help manage higher river flows in the spring caused by
melting snow in northern and central Wisconsin. The drawdowns also help increase hydroelectric
power generation during the winter. Water levels may be reduced by up to 5 feet at the Petenwell
Dam and up to 6 feet at the Castle Rock Dam during the drawdowns.
Safety precautions
A drawdown can create thin or unstable ice conditions on a reservoir. Stay safe by:
- Avoiding snowmobiling or driving vehicles on the ice.
- Obeying all warning signs and heeding flashing lights, horns and sirens.
- Being aware of rapidly changing water conditions.
- Bringing a cellphone to contact 911 in an emergency.
- Staying outside of buoy lines.
- Having a safe escape route planned and evacuating at the first sign of danger.
Current reservoir levels and river flow information can be found at wisconsinriverpower.com under 'Hydroelectric
Project Data.'
WRPCO anticipates returning both reservoirs to their normal water levels by the end of April.
For More Information, Contact: