Hidden Valley Farms Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Hidden Valley Farms, located in Lafayette, Wisconsin, is a privately owned fish and wildlife pond regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

With a dam height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, this earth dam serves as a vital habitat for local wildlife in the area. The dam, completed in an unspecified year, covers an impressive surface area of 8 acres and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway to manage water flow.

Despite its significant hazard potential, Hidden Valley Farms' dam is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam poses a moderate risk, with a risk assessment rating of 3. Emergency action plans and inundation maps have not been prepared or updated, highlighting the need for improved risk management measures. The dam undergoes inspections every 3 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Mark Pocan, the Democratic representative for the area, oversees Hidden Valley Farms within the Rock Island District. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the hidden wonders of this wildlife pond, it is essential to recognize the importance of sustainable management practices to protect the surrounding environment and wildlife habitats.

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

NON NAV TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.