Stebbinsville Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Stebbinsville, located in Rock County, Wisconsin, is a privately-owned hydroelectric dam on the Yahara River with a history dating back to its completion in 1918.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a hydraulic height of 12 feet, serving primarily for hydroelectric power generation and recreation purposes. With a normal storage capacity of 470 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3,590 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Stebbinsville poses a very high risk due to its age and condition assessment being ungraded. The dam has not undergone a condition assessment, and the last inspection was conducted in 2010, with an inspection frequency of 10 years. While the dam has not been rated for its current condition, the risk management measures and emergency action plans for the structure are not specified. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts may find Stebbinsville an intriguing case study for its historical significance and potential risk factors associated with aging infrastructure and lack of updated assessments and management strategies.

As a key component in the water resource infrastructure of the Yahara River, Stebbinsville presents a unique opportunity for further research and analysis in the realm of climate change adaptation and resilience planning. The dam's location, operational history, and risk profile make it a compelling subject for those interested in the intersection of water management, climate impacts, and emergency preparedness. With its low hazard potential but high-risk classification, Stebbinsville underscores the importance of proactive monitoring, maintenance, and risk mitigation strategies for aging dams in the face of evolving climate conditions and potential hazards.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

YAHARA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

100

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

450

Nid Storage

670

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.