Bad Axe 11
Bad Axe 11 is a gravity dam located in Vernon County, Wisconsin, built in 1978. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Bad Axe 11
The primary purpose of Bad Axe 11 is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Vernon County (local government). It impounds the Springville Br-bad Axe R near Newton.
The dam stands 26 feet tall and stretches 5,055 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 280 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 9,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 12 square miles. Completed in 1978, the structure is 48 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/09/2021.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Wisconsin dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Vernon |
| Nearest City | Newton |
| River/Stream | Springville Br-bad Axe R |
| Coordinates | 43.58475, -91.00635 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Length | 5,055 ft |
| Year Completed | 1978 (48 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 9,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 9,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 280 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 220 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Vernon County |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/09/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI12767 |
| Federal ID | WI12767 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |