Estabrook Park, located in Shorewood, Wisconsin, is a recreational haven nestled along the beautiful Milwaukee River. This park boasts a historic gravity dam that was completed in 1940, standing at 15 feet tall and stretching 562 feet in length. The dam serves as a key feature for water enthusiasts and climate advocates to marvel at, providing both structural and hydraulic benefits to the surrounding area.
Despite its age, the dam at Estabrook Park is considered to have low hazard potential but is in poor condition, as evidenced by a 2017 assessment. However, the risk assessment for the dam is classified as very high due to its critical role in managing water levels and potential flooding in the region. With a normal storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 25,800 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the Milwaukee River and protecting the park and surrounding communities.
Visitors to Estabrook Park can explore the park's 103-acre surface area, engage in recreational activities, and appreciate the engineering marvel of the gravity dam. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, the preservation and maintenance of structures like the dam at Estabrook Park are essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of this vital waterway and the surrounding environment.
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