Diving atWazee Lake (United States)
Wazee Lake, a refurbished iron ore quarry in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, stands as the deepest inland lake in the state. This non-motorized body of water, meaning "Tall Pine" in Ho-Chunk language, reaches a maximum depth of 108 m (355 ft). Its origins as a taconite mine, operational until 1983, have shaped a unique underwater landscape for divers.
At Wazee Lake, the ambient air temperature is currently recorded at 21°C. This dive site in United States is operating under normal seasonal weather patterns. Familiarize yourself with the local topography prior to navigating.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Wazee Lake combines quarry history with a structured freshwater dive profile. Before it became a lake, this was the Jackson County Iron Mine, a taconite quarry that operated from the early 1960s until April 1983. Once mining stopped and the pumps were removed, the quarry gradually filled with water, leaving behind a deep pit with roads, walls, rock cuts, and industrial traces still visible underwater.
Divers can explore circular haul roads, massive boulders, sheer cliff faces, and scattered remnants from the mining operation, including chains, pipes, taconite pellets, and iron shovel teeth. Training platforms are placed at several depths (10 m / 35 ft, 21 m / 70 ft, and 27 m /90 ft), making the site useful for buoyancy practice, instruction, and controlled depth progression.
Wazee is suitable for a range of divers, but the experience changes quickly with depth. Novice divers can stay on the gradually descending roadways and shallower training areas, while experienced divers can explore deeper wall sections and boulder features. The average dive depth for recreation typically ranges from 24-30 m (80-100 ft). Visibility is often reported around 9–12 m / 30–40 ft in summer, but cold-water planning matters more than visibility here.
Wazee Lake
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Wazee Lake show 21° air, --° sea temperature, N/A waves, and 16 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Diving opportunities at Wazee Lake span the full calendar, but conditions vary sharply by season. Spring and fall bring cooler air temperatures, ranging from around 2.5°C / 36°F in March to about 18.5°C / 65°F in September, with generally moderate rainfall. Summer is the most comfortable period for many recreational divers. July and August usually bring the warmest air temperatures, around 21–22°C / 70–72°F, and surface water temperatures can reach approximately 21°C / 70°F. These months also carry the highest rainfall averages, around 3.8 mm / 0.15 in, so divers should still check local conditions before planning a long dive day. From December to February, air temperatures often fall below freezing, averaging roughly -8°C / 18°F to -4°C / 25°F, with minimal rainfall. Ice diving is possible in winter, but it requires proper training, equipment, and procedures. For most visiting recreational divers, summer is the easiest season, while winter should be treated as a specialty diving window.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Entering the water at Wazee Lake reveals a classic quarry descent profile, with shore access, gradual roadways, training platforms, and deeper wall sections. Surface temperatures can reach around 21°C / 70°F in summer, but divers should expect a clear temperature change below the first thermocline, which averages around 9 m / 30 ft. A second thermocline may appear around 18 m / 60 ft, where water temperatures can drop dramatically, with very cold water reported in deeper sections. This makes depth planning and exposure protection more important here than the surface conditions might suggest. The gradual slope from paved parking areas makes shore entry accessible at several points, including The Wall, Bluegill Alley, and Sherwood Forest. Underwater features include sunken forests, winding quarry roads, training platforms, fish cribs, boulders, and remnants from the mining operation. These structures give beginners simpler pathways to follow, while experienced divers can use the deeper walls and quarry features for more complex navigation.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Navigating Wazee Lake requires adherence to specific protocols and awareness of its unique challenges. Daily or annual dive and vehicle fees are mandatory for all divers and must be paid before entering the lake; self-registration is available if no attendant is present. A dive flag is mandatory and should be treated as required equipment, not an optional accessory. Considering the lake's significant depth and cold temperatures below the thermocline, proper deep diver training and equipment are crucial, especially for exploring beyond shallower recreational depths. The lake is a non-motorized body of water, which helps preserve its clear water quality. While the site accommodates various skill levels, the colder water and potential for rapid temperature drops necessitate careful dive planning and appropriate thermal protection. Understanding the site layout, including training platforms and underwater features, contributes to a safer dive.
Recommended Equipment
Technical depth range. Advanced planning, gas management, and appropriate certification required.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Hard-soled Dive Boots
- Dive Flag
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Wazee Lake, United States. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Forecast confidence is somewhat lower, with potential for varied conditions ahead. A significant temperature drop is forecast; strongly suggest bringing a backup warmer suit option. A hood or vest can noticeably improve warmth during longer dives.
Based on regional estimates and current weather, the likely required exposure protection is a 3-5mm wetsuit. Note that local currents and upwellings can alter this. Surface intervals may feel cooler.
Because recent water temperature readings are not available for Wazee Lake, the guidance below is based mainly on current air conditions and seasonal expectations. Current surface air temperatures are roughly 21°C (70°F).
Due to technical issues with our weather providers, data hasn't been fetched for over 48 hours. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Wazee Lake.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN World.
+1-919-684-9111- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Marine Life at Wazee Lake
Despite its quarry origins, Wazee Lake supports a diverse aquatic population. Divers frequently encounter various fish species, including rainbow, brook, and brown trout, alongside bluegills, suckers, catfish, and smallmouth bass. Fish cribs have been strategically placed throughout the lake, enhancing habitat and offering more opportunities for marine life observations. These structures contribute to the lake's ecological balance and provide interesting focal points during dives. While not a marine environment, the freshwater ecosystem here is active and provides consistent sightings for divers exploring the submerged quarry landscape.
Dive Sites Near Wazee Lake
View all dive sites in United StatesDiscover more underwater gems in this area.
Dive Centers Near Wazee Lake
No Dive Centers Local To Wazee Lake
Are you a dive center visiting this location? Get listed to reach divers.
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
Search Flights
Check available flights and routes on Expedia, using the nearby airports listed in this section.
Search Flights on Expedia
Plan Your Stay
Looking for a place to stay for your dive trip? Explore hotels, stays, and vacation rentals for dive groups near Black River Falls.
Dive Navigator may earn a commission from these links at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth of Wazee Lake?
Wazee Lake is the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin, reaching a maximum depth of 108 m (355 ft). This depth extends well beyond recreational diving limits.
Are there fees required to dive at Wazee Lake?
Yes, both daily or annual dive fees and vehicle admission fees are required. These must be paid before entering the lake, with self-registration options available at the contact station.
What are the water temperatures like in Wazee Lake?
Surface temperatures can reach 21°C (70°F) in summer. Below the first thermocline, around 9 m (30 ft), temperatures drop, reaching as low as 1°C (34°F) below a second thermocline at approximately 18 m (60 ft).
What kind of visibility can I expect?
Wazee Lake offers notable clarity for a freshwater lake, with visibility averaging 9-12 m (30-40 ft) during the summer months. This Caribbean-like visibility enhances the diving experience.
Are there underwater features for divers to explore?
Yes, divers can find remnants from the lake's mining past, including haul roads, chains, pipes, and massive boulders. Additionally, platforms are situated at 10 m (35 ft), 21 m (70 ft), and 27 m (90 ft) for training, and various novelty items have been placed throughout the lake.
What marine life can be seen in Wazee Lake?
The lake hosts a variety of freshwater fish, such as rainbow, brook, and brown trout, as well as bluegills, suckers, catfish, and smallmouth bass. Fish cribs have been added to improve habitat and increase sightings.
Planning to dive Wazee Lake?
Send one inquiry and receive offers directly from the best verified local dive operators.
Wazee Lake
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Wazee Lake show 21° air, --° sea temperature, N/A waves, and 16 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.