The Beaver Dam River roared through downtown Beaver Dam Friday threatening to tear down buildings and flood houses along what is normally a small brook.

The water rushing beneath the Center Street bridge was 8-feet deep were residents typically fish along the bank.

Dock's Corner bar was shaking with cracks in its basement while the torrent pounded from the outside. Water was seeping into the basement as employees strained to rescue $2,000 worth of beer.

Owner Vickie Williams was preparing for the very real possibility that the load-bearing wall would collapse.

"We've never had a disaster like this," Williams said.

The water was rapidly coming through the dam of Beaver Dam Lake leaving the river on the other side looking like it's own lake. The dam had no structural damage, Beaver Dam Fire Chief George Sheets said, adding it went through similar situations in 1993 and 2004.

Sheets said Friday afternoon the river should crest "soon."

"Downtown is safe right now," Sheets said. "We'll be making adjustments and getting another pump down there to alleviate the water pressure."

Electricity was shut off to businesses and residences on Front Street from Madison to Center streets as a precautionary measure.


One of the businesses that remained open was the 150-year-old McKinstry's Home Furnishings. McKinstry's manager Ric Fiegel said the river behind the business was the highest it has been in 40 years.

"The river has never come this far," Fiegel said. "It's going up to the parking lot and into the door."

Fiegel said they have kept a constant eye on the water and removed furniture from their lowest level even though it had not received water damage.