Klinkner Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Klinkner is a local government-owned earth dam located in Vernon County, Wisconsin, along Knapp Creek.


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Summary

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.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

580

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

KNAPP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

234

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

32
       
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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.