West Fork Kickapoo 16, also known as Clockmaker, is a dam located in Vernon, Wisconsin, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1971 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 44 feet high with a hydraulic height of 5 feet and a length of 330 feet. It has a storage capacity of 280 acre-feet and is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated it as fair, with a low hazard potential and moderate risk level. While the dam does not have a designated emergency action plan, it is inspected every 10 years to ensure its structural integrity. In the event of a breach, the maximum discharge capacity is 121 cubic feet per second. Despite its relatively small surface area of 1 acre, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flooding risks in the area.
West Fork Kickapoo 16 offers not only flood risk reduction but also recreational opportunities in the surrounding area. With its location on the West Fork Kickapoo River, this dam serves as a vital resource for both the local community and the environment. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and regulation of structures like West Fork Kickapoo 16 become increasingly important for sustainable water management in Wisconsin.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
330 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
TR WEST FORK KICKAPOO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
5 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
280 |
Structural Height |
44 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
44 |
Kickapoo River At La Farge
|
219cfs |
Kickapoo River At State Highway 33 At Ontario
|
149cfs |
La Crosse River At Sparta
|
142cfs |
La Crosse River Near La Crosse
|
348cfs |
Kickapoo River At Steuben
|
392cfs |
Lemonweir River At New Lisbon
|
261cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Esofea - Rentz Memorial Park
|
||
Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park Campground
|
||
Campsite H
|
||
La Farge City Park
|
||
Campsite S
|
||
Campsite T
|