DNR officials: Threat of dam failure on Vern Wolf Lake eliminated

BRIGHTON (WITI) – DNR officials said Wednesday, April 17th water levels have been reduced on Vern Wolf Lake in the Richard Bong State Recreation Areain Kenosha County, eliminating the threat of water overtopping the dam that forms the lake.

Department of Natural Resources staff removed all boards on the dam structure that could be removed and the water level dropped six inches overnight and more than a foot and a half since last Friday.

State Highway 75 remains closed from State Highway 142 to County Highway JB. Several trails within Richard Bong State Recreation Area are also closed around the lake.

DNR Bong staff will continue regular monitoring of water levels and the dam.

“Although we have lots of rain predicted, the threat of water overtopping the dam is no longer with the drop of water levels,” said Jennifer C. Niemeyer, DNR warden supervisor for Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties.