Vesper is a concrete dam located in Wood County, Wisconsin, built in 1944. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.

About Vesper

The primary purpose of Vesper is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by , (private). It impounds the Hemlock Creek near Vesper.

The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 125 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 11 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 41 square miles. Completed in 1944, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. The most recent inspection on record was 06/11/2009. That was over 17 years ago.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

Data note: Hazard potential describes the consequences if a dam failed; it does not predict the likelihood of failure. Inspection, condition, and emergency-plan fields can be incomplete or delayed. Check state dam-safety officials and local emergency managers for official guidance.
Significant HazardNot Rated ConditionEmergency Action Plan: No

Location

StateWisconsin
CountyWood
Nearest CityVesper
River/StreamHemlock Creek
Coordinates44.48279, -89.97306

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeConcrete
NID Height13 ft
Dam Height13 ft
Dam Length125 ft
Year Completed1944 (82 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage75 acre-ft
Max Storage75 acre-ft
Normal Storage30 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area41 sq mi
Max Discharge2,070 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
Owner,
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentNot Rated
Last Inspection06/11/2009
Emergency Action PlanNo

Identifiers

NID IDWI00344
Federal IDWI00344
More InfoState Dam Safety Program