Heavy rains in southeastern Wisconsin have created the potential for the Vern Wolf Lake Dam in Kenosha County to fail. As a precaution, State Highway 75 is closed between State Highway 142 and County Highway K and detours have been posted.
The dam is in the Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Several trails within Richard Bong State Recreation Area are closed. Some trails near the lake also have been posted closed.
Department of Natural Resources conservation wardens and rangers are working with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department to staff barricades on Highway 75 through Saturday to keep traffic out.
DNR dam safety engineers are evaluating the dam. The department will maintain an incident command center onsite.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area is eight miles southeast of Burlington on Highway 142. The entrance is less than one mile west of Highway 75.
Vern Wolf Lake is a 93- acre lake located within the Richard Bong Recreation Area, with depths up to 12 feet. Portions of the lake are approximately 50 feet from Highway 75.