Klinkner is a local government-owned earth dam located in Vernon County, Wisconsin, along Knapp Creek. Built in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, this dam primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction and debris control. With a height of 32 feet and a length of 580 feet, Klinkner has a storage capacity of 234 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 255 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Klinkner is in satisfactory condition according to its last assessment in July 2019. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR). In the event of an emergency, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared for Klinkner, and the last revision of the EAP dates back to January 2012. The risk assessment for Klinkner is moderate, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) of 3.

Overall, Klinkner plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks along Knapp Creek in Wisconsin. With its solid construction and regulatory oversight, this earth dam contributes to the protection of downstream communities and infrastructure. However, there is room for improvement in terms of emergency preparedness and updating the EAP to ensure swift and effective response in case of a dam failure or significant event.