Little Yellow 27 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Little Yellow 25 Little Yellow 18
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Little Yellow 27, located in Juneau, Wisconsin, is a state-regulated gravity dam completed in 1935 with a primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
Situated on the East Branch Little Yellow River, this dam has a height of 9 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 180 acre-feet. With a surface area of 50 acres and a drainage area of 4 square miles, Little Yellow 27 plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation, recreation, and water supply in the region.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Little Yellow 27 is considered to have a very high risk due to its age and condition assessment of "Not Rated." The dam has not undergone an assessment in recent years, with its last inspection dating back to November 2010. While the dam's emergency action plan status is unclear, its risk management measures and inundation maps preparedness are also not specified. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the maintenance and potential risks associated with dams like Little Yellow 27 is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure.
The presence of controlled spillways and the dam's location within St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers highlight the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to prevent any potential risks or failures. With its vital role in water resource management, Little Yellow 27 serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts required to monitor and safeguard our water infrastructure for the benefit of both the environment and local communities.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
1190 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
EAST BRANCH LITTLE YELLOW |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
50 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
180 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yellow River At Babcock
|
44cfs |
Yellow River At Necedah
|
52cfs |
Tenmile Creek Near Nekoosa
|
27cfs |
Wisconsin River At Wisconsin Rapids
|
1960cfs |
Lemonweir River At New Lisbon
|
261cfs |
Black River At Neillsville
|
193cfs |
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.
Little Yellow 27
Petenwell Lake - 20th Drive Access - Wisconsin River Power Company (WRPCO)