Franklin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Franklin, located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is a gravity dam on the Sheboygan River with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1851, the dam stands at 13 feet high and spans a length of 280 feet, offering a surface area of 32 square acres. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 4000 cubic feet per second and a controlled spillway with a width of 152 feet. Despite its age, Franklin remains state-regulated, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

This historic structure has a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 94 acre-feet and a drainage area of 190 square miles. Although last inspected in 1988, Franklin's hazard potential is rated as high, and its condition is currently not rated. The risk assessment for the dam is very high (1), indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. With its scenic location and important role in local recreation, Franklin serves as both a historical landmark and a critical component of water resource management in the region.

Years Modified

1927 - Other

Year Completed

1851

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

SHEBOYGAN

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

190

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

13
       
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.