Kalepp Reservoir Report
Nearby: Medford Weathershield
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Taylor County, Wisconsin, Kalepp is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1975 with a primary purpose of providing fire protection and serving as a small fish pond.
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Summary
With a height of 11 feet and a length of 523 feet, Kalepp has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a surface area of 12 acres. The dam is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Kalepp is considered to have a very high risk due to its location and the potential consequences of a dam failure. The dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and has a maximum discharge capacity of 50 cubic feet per second. The condition of the dam was last assessed as fair in October 2020, with an inspection frequency of every 10 years. While the risk of failure is noted to be very high, measures for risk management and emergency preparedness are not specified in the available data.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of dams like Kalepp may find its unique characteristics and risk profile intriguing. With its essential role in fire protection and recreational use, as well as the challenges associated with ensuring its safety and stability, Kalepp serves as an example of the critical infrastructure that requires constant monitoring and attention in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
523 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
TR LITTLE BLACK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
11 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rib River At Rib Falls
|
60cfs |
Big Eau Pleine River At Stratford
|
27cfs |
Spirit River At Spirit Falls
|
21cfs |
Wisconsin River At Merrill
|
1650cfs |
Prairie River Near Merrill
|
99cfs |
Wisconsin River At Rothschild
|
1940cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Kalepp