Karsten No. 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Karsten No.


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Summary

2, located in Dodge County, Wisconsin, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1973 by the USDA NRCS for recreational purposes on Oliver Creek. Standing at 24 feet high and 850 feet long, this dam has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1 square mile. With a maximum discharge of 110 cubic feet per second, the dam poses a low hazard potential and is currently in fair condition.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Karsten No. 2 is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Its spillway type is uncontrolled, and the dam has been assessed as having a moderate risk level. Despite its age, the dam is regularly inspected every 10 years, with the last assessment conducted in June 2020. With its picturesque location and water-based recreational opportunities, Karsten No. 2 is a valuable resource for both locals and visitors alike, serving as a vital component of the region's water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

OLIVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

100

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
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.