Steenhoven Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Steenhoven, a privately owned recreational dam located in Taylor, Wisconsin, along the North Fork Yellow River, was completed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This earth-type dam stands at a height of 17.5 feet and has a hydraulic height of 8 feet, providing a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 44 acres. While the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, it also serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area, with a drainage area of 1.7 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1396 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Steenhoven is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 104 feet. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with enforcement and permitting responsibilities falling under their jurisdiction. The last inspection of Steenhoven was conducted in July 2013, with an inspection frequency of every 10 years. Overall, the risk assessment for this dam is moderate, indicating a need for continued monitoring and management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for both recreational and water resource purposes.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

17.5

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK YELLOW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

400

Structural Height

17.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.