La Farge Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

La Farge, located in Vernon County, Wisconsin, is a gravity dam built in 1862 along the Kickapoo River.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, this dam also serves recreational purposes for the local community. Standing at 16 feet high and 1000 feet long, it has a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a drainage area of 272 square miles.

Although La Farge has a low hazard potential, it is considered to have a very high risk due to its age and condition. It has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no emergency action plan in place. Despite these risks, the dam has undergone modifications in 1929 to ensure its continued operation. The dam is owned and regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to maintain its safety and functionality.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, La Farge presents an interesting case study of a historic dam that continues to play a vital role in both energy production and recreation. As efforts to update and improve the dam's infrastructure are considered, it is important to balance the benefits it provides with the potential risks associated with its age and condition. The collaboration between local government and state agencies will be crucial in ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of La Farge for future generations.

Years Modified

1929 - Other

Year Completed

1862

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

KICKAPOO

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

35

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

272

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.