Arsenal Power dam
Arsenal Power
Arsenal Power, also known as Structure 160, is a captivating hydroelectric facility located in Rock Island, Illinois, along the picturesque Mississippi River. Owned and operated by the US Army, this concrete dam stands as a testament to engineering excellence since its completion in 1878. With a structural height of 29 feet and a hydraulic height of 16 feet, Arsenal Power serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and navigation support.
Managed by the US Army, Arsenal Power boasts an impressive capacity with a storage volume of 30,000 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 312,000 cubic feet per second. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 10 feet and outlet gates designed for vertical lift operations. Despite its age, Arsenal Power has undergone modifications in 1918 to enhance its structural integrity, ensuring its continued operation and safety. With a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, the facility remains a vital component of the region's water resource infrastructure.
Visitors and enthusiasts alike can appreciate the historical significance and engineering marvel of Arsenal Power as they explore its location in Rock Island, Illinois. From its multi-arch core type to its rock foundation, the dam stands as a symbol of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience. With state-regulated operations and regular inspections conducted by the US Army, Arsenal Power continues to exemplify the intersection of renewable energy production and environmental stewardship along the majestic Mississippi River.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Arsenal Power -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Duck Creek At Dc Golf Course At Davenport | 63 cfs | → |
| Crow Creek At Bettendorf | 5 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek At Milan | 27 cfs | → |
| Duck Creek At 110th Ave At Davenport | 10 cfs | → |
| Wapsipinicon River Near De Witt | 1,570 cfs | → |
| Rock River Near Joslin | 10,000 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Arsenal Power .
Boat launches
- 12th Street 138, Bettendorf
- Riverfront Trail Davenport
- George Skafidas Parkway Rock Island
- Big Island Parkway Rock Island
- South Concord Street 2490, Davenport
- 48th Street 5598, Moline
Track Arsenal Power in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Arsenal Power
Where does the data for Arsenal Power come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Arsenal Power .