Kiel Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Kiel, Wisconsin, this dam on the Sheboygan River serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community.


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Summary

Completed in 1913, the gravity dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 200 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 530 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 400 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 130 acres and drains an area of 150 acres.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the dam is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2020 deemed it to be in fair condition. With a very high risk assessment ranking, measures must be taken to manage potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding area in the event of an emergency.

Overall, Kiel Dam is a significant water resource in the region, providing not only recreational opportunities but also serving as a critical infrastructure for water management. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures is essential for sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SHEBOYGAN

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

130

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

150

Nid Storage

530

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.