West Fork Kickapoo 17 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Fork Kickapoo 17, also known as Primmer, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Vernon, Wisconsin.


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Summary

Completed in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 51 feet in height and spans 670 feet in length, serving primarily for flood risk reduction along Maple Dale Creek. With a storage capacity of 1330 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 900 cubic feet per second, West Fork Kickapoo 17 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood hazards in the area.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, West Fork Kickapoo 17 is subject to regular inspections, with its condition assessed as satisfactory during the last evaluation in July 2013. Classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam presents a moderate risk level of 3, prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures. Despite its importance in flood risk reduction, the dam also offers recreational opportunities for the local community, highlighting its multifaceted role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Overall, West Fork Kickapoo 17 exemplifies the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and community safety in water resource management. As a key piece of the flood control system along Maple Dale Creek, this earth dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local agencies in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. With its strategic location and effective design, West Fork Kickapoo 17 serves as a vital asset in enhancing the resilience of the surrounding area to climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

MAPLE DALE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

49

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

1330

Structural Height

51

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

51
       
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.