Bad Axe 34 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bad Axe 34, also known as Tally, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Vernon, Wisconsin, along the South Fork Bad Axe River.


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Summary

Completed in 1965 by USDA NRCS, this dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction purposes, with a dam height of 40 feet and a length of 520 feet. It has a storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 370 cubic feet per second, covering a drainage area of 7.4 square miles.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Bad Axe 34 is regulated and inspected by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, demonstrating the commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of the structure. The last inspection was conducted in March 2011, with a scheduled frequency of every 10 years. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, it is essential for stakeholders and water resource enthusiasts to stay informed about any potential risk management measures or updates regarding this dam to mitigate any unforeseen challenges or issues.

Overall, Bad Axe 34 stands as a crucial infrastructure for flood control and debris management along the South Fork Bad Axe River, serving as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS. With its strategic location and purpose-driven design, this dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions and water resource management challenges.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

SOUTH FORK BAD AXE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

40

Drainage Area

7.4

Nid Storage

1000

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

40
       
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.