Grand Rapids dam
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, located in Marinette, Wisconsin, is a gravity dam built along the Menominee River in 1909 for hydroelectric power generation and recreation purposes. Designed by L.A. DeGuere, this dam stands at a height of 24 feet with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a structural height of 28.5 feet. It has a length of 1410 feet and a storage capacity of 2150 acre-feet, serving as a vital water resource in the region with a maximum discharge of 42000 cubic feet per second.
Operated by a public utility, Grand Rapids is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and has a controlled spillway with a width of 402 feet. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, with a very high risk assessment rating. The dam's condition assessment is not available, but it undergoes regular inspections with an inspection frequency of 1. In case of emergencies, an emergency action plan is in place, meeting safety guidelines and ensuring proper risk management measures.
With its historical significance and crucial role in water resource management and energy production, Grand Rapids serves as a key landmark in the region. As a major contributor to the local economy and environment, this dam continues to play a vital role in supporting the community's water needs and providing recreational opportunities along the Menominee River. Its rich history, engineering marvel, and environmental impact make Grand Rapids a must-visit destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
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 Grand Rapids -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Menominee River Near Mc Allister | 3,330 cfs | → |
| Menominee River At Koss | 3,600 cfs | → |
| Menominee River At White Rapids Dam Near Banat | 2,910 cfs | → |
| Menominee River Below Pemene Creek Near Pembine | 2,660 cfs | → |
| Peshtigo River At Porterfield | 817 cfs | → |
| Pike River At Amberg | 240 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Grand Rapids .
Boat launches
- Grand Rapids Flowage -- Access Grand Rapids Rd
- Menominee River -- Hwy Jj Access
- South 4 Road Lake Township
- Menominee River -- Access At Hiatt Rd
- Menominee River -- Access Nr S Park Dr
- Seefeldt Road Town Of Wagner
Campgrounds
- Evergreen City Park
- Cedar River North State Forest Campground
- Green's Green Acres Campground
- Welcker's
- North Nicolet Bay
- Tennison Bay
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Sec 12/13 Line, T35n, R16e To Forest Boundary In Sec 24, T35n, R16e
- Confluence With Armstrong Creek To Sec 12/13 Line, T35n, R16e
- 1/4 Mile Upstream From Evans Bridge To Confluence With Armstrong Creek
- 1/4 Mile Downstream From Ccc Bridge To 1/4 Mile Upstream From Evans Bridge
- Railroad Bridge To 1/4 Mile Downstream From The Ccc Bridge
- Forest Road 2398 To Eastern Forest Boundary
Track Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
Where does the data for Grand Rapids 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 High 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 Grand Rapids .