Kilbourn Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kilbourn, also known as Wisconsin Dells, is a privately owned hydroelectric facility located in the beautiful state of Wisconsin.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This gravity dam was completed in 1909 and boasts a height of 61 feet, with a primary purpose of generating hydroelectric power and providing recreational opportunities. The dam has a storage capacity of 36,000 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 7,746 square miles, with a maximum discharge of 80,690 cubic feet per second.

The Kilbourn dam has a controlled spillway and a high hazard potential, but its condition assessment is satisfactory, with the last inspection in July 2020. The risk assessment for this dam is classified as very high (1), indicating the need for strong risk management measures. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Kilbourn's location on the Wisconsin River in Columbia County makes it a critical water resource that must be carefully managed for the safety and well-being of the surrounding communities and the environment.

Years Modified

2011 - Other

Year Completed

1909

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

61

River Or Stream

WISCONSIN

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

1868

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

7746

Nid Storage

36000

Structural Height

61

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

61
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.