Bad Axe 34

SOUTH FORK BAD AXE· Vernon, Wisconsin· Built 1965· Earth· 40 ft tall
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Debris Control Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bad Axe 34 is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Height 40 ft (taller than 92.6% in WI)
Dam Length520 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge370 cfs
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDWI00413

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: April 22, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Vernon County

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bad Axe 34?

Bad Axe 34 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 Bad Axe 34?

Bad Axe 34 is owned by Vernon County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bad Axe 34 built?

Bad Axe 34 was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Bad Axe 34?

Bad Axe 34 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Debris Control. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bad Axe 34?

Bad Axe 34 has a dam height of 40 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 Bad Axe 34 last inspected?

Bad Axe 34 was last inspected on April 22, 2021. 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.