Mukwonago Dam

Mukwonago Dam is a dam holding back the waters of Phantom Lake in eastern Wisconsin. In June, 2008, heavy rains caused flooding in the area, and officials fear the dam may not be structurally sound and could soon break.

Fast Facts

1. Also known as: Phantom Lake Dam
2. Location: Waukesha County, Wisconsin
3. Body of water formed: Phantom Lake
4. Age: Approximately 100 years old¹
5. Length: 250 feet¹
6. Height: 10 feet¹
7. Amount of water behind dam: 540 acres¹
8. Located about 30 miles from Milwaukee
9. Flooding could close Interstate 43
10. Towns threatened: Vernon, Tichigan and Waterford

Possible Dangers

Officials report that vegetation is clogging the dam, causing water to flow around the structure. If the dam should fail, officials fear, heavy flooding downstream could threaten homes in the towns of Vernon, Tichigan and Waterford. The resulting flooding could also close Interstate 43 between Highways 83 and 164. Interstate 43 is the main artery linking the city of Milwaukee with the city of Rockford, Wisconsin. Residents are being urged to evacuate and move to higher ground.²

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