West Fork Kickapoo 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Fork Kickapoo 3, also known as Ostrem, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Vernon County, Wisconsin.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this structure is primarily designed for flood risk reduction along the West Fork Kickapoo River, with a height of 33 feet and a storage capacity of 208 acre-feet. It also serves recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 6 acres for outdoor activities.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, West Fork Kickapoo 3 has a high hazard potential and is rated in fair condition as of the last assessment in May 2020. With a controlled spillway width of 23 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 445 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure its structural integrity and functionality, with the last inspection taking place in May 2019.

Overall, West Fork Kickapoo 3 is a vital infrastructure for flood control and recreation in the region, showcasing the importance of water resource management in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. Its strategic location and design make it a key asset in the efforts to enhance resilience to climate-related challenges, highlighting the crucial role that dams play in water resource and climate conservation efforts.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

TR WEST FORK KICKAPOO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

208

Structural Height

33

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

33
       
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.