Arkdale

Adams, Wisconsin· Built 1860· Gravity· 16 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Arkdale is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1860 and is 166 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 48.8% in WI)
Dam Length500 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage330 acre-ft
Normal Storage110 acre-ft
Surface Area55 acres
Drainage Area142 sq mi
Max Discharge2,020 cfs
Year Completed1860 (166 years old)
NID IDWI00237

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 29, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Arkdale Lake District;Setlef Holdings, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Arkdale?

Arkdale is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Arkdale?

Arkdale is owned by Arkdale Lake District;Setlef Holdings, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Arkdale built?

Arkdale was completed in 1860, making it 166 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Arkdale?

Arkdale serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Arkdale?

Arkdale has a dam height of 16 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Arkdale last inspected?

Arkdale was last inspected on September 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.