Horicon

MAIN DITCH· Dodge, Wisconsin· Built 1930· Gravity· 12 ft tall
Low Hazard Other State Government

Key Takeaway

Horicon is classified as low hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is other.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 30.4% in WI)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage20.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area2,500 acres
Drainage Area455 sq mi
Max Discharge12,500 cfs
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDWI01062

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: October 13, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

State Government

Nearby Dams

Karsten No. 1

Dodge, WI

Low Hazard 18 ft

Upper Horicon

Dodge, WI

Low Hazard 8 ft

Karsten No. 2

Dodge, WI

Low Hazard 24 ft

Upper Mayville

Dodge, WI

Low Hazard 15 ft

Hustisford

Dodge, WI

Low Hazard 11 ft

Kekoskee

Dodge, WI

Significant Hazard 16 ft

Furnace Bridge

Dodge, WI

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Frankfurth Marsh

Dodge, WI

Low Hazard 7 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Horicon?

Horicon 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 Horicon?

Horicon is owned by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Horicon built?

Horicon was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Horicon?

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

How tall is Horicon?

Horicon has a dam height of 12 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 Horicon last inspected?

Horicon was last inspected on October 13, 2017. 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.