Little Yellow 19 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Little Yellow 19 is a gravity dam located in Necedah, Wisconsin, along the West Branch Little Yellow River.


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Summary

Built in 1935, this Federal-owned structure serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, recreation, and water supply. With a height of 9 feet and a length of 5330 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 40 acre-feet. Its controlled spillway, with a width of 40 feet, helps manage water discharge during peak flow events.

Despite being classified as low hazard potential, Little Yellow 19 faces a very high risk due to its condition assessment being labeled as "Not Rated." With no recent inspection data available, the dam's emergency action plan readiness, inundation maps, and risk management measures are all listed as unknown. The risk assessment for this dam indicates a high level of vulnerability, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this vital water resource infrastructure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring the status and potential upgrades of Little Yellow 19 can offer valuable insights into the resilience of our nation's water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

5330

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

WEST BRANCH LITTLE YELLOW

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

7.4

Nid Storage

160

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.