Von Ruden Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Von Ruden is a private dam located in Vernon, Wisconsin, along the Tr West Fork Kickapoo River.


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Summary

Built in 1973 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at 30 feet tall and spans 350 feet in length. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a hazard potential rated as low. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Von Ruden is not available, but it is inspected every 10 years to ensure its structural integrity.

Operated and funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Von Ruden serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the area. While it has a controlled spillway type and uncontrolled outlet gates, the dam has not been modified over the years and lacks detailed risk management measures or emergency action plans. However, the risk assessment for Von Ruden is rated as moderate, indicating the need for continued monitoring and potential improvements to enhance its effectiveness in flood control and water management.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the role that structures like Von Ruden play in mitigating flood risks and protecting communities downstream. By understanding the design, purpose, and condition of dams like Von Ruden, we can advocate for improved infrastructure, risk management practices, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety and resilience of our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Tr West Fork Kickapoo River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

60

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.