Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake
Towner County, WisconsinLimited DataMesotrophic
Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake is a 240-acre mesotrophic lake in Towner County, ND. Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2025. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Towner County, Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake ranks #1 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2025-10-01. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 8 ft. Trophic State Index: 47.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 47 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 240 acres |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 2 lakes in Towner County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake holds Grade C. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in Towner County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Wisconsin
Mesotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Big Coulee Dam (completed 1968), built primarily for recreation on the Big Coulee; earth-type dam, 39 ft tall and 1,170 ft long.
- Surface area
- 240 ac
- Normal storage
- 2,222.8 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 5,103 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 108 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Significant
- Owner
- City of Bisbee
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00015 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.14 km)
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2025-10-01
Monitoring stations: 1