Big Quinnesec Falls Dike "B" dam
Big Quinnesec Falls Dike "B"
Big Quinnesec Falls Dike "B" is a crucial structure located on the Menominee River in Michigan, designed by Mead & Hunt and completed in 1949 for hydroelectric and recreational purposes. With a structural height of 13 feet and a hydraulic height of 8 feet, this earth dam spans 90 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 3,790 acre-feet. The dam is situated in Marinette, Wisconsin, owned by a public utility, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
This high-hazard potential dam has a risk assessment rating of 2, indicating a significant level of risk that must be carefully managed. The last inspection was conducted in June 2019, with a frequency of one inspection per year. Despite its age, the condition assessment for Big Quinnesec Falls Dike "B" is not available, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality. Overall, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and energy production in the region, making it a key point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) preparation status and adherence to guidelines remain unclear, underscoring the importance of proactive risk management measures. With no spillway in place, it is essential to stay updated on the dam's condition and any modifications made over the years to mitigate potential risks. Big Quinnesec Falls Dike "B" serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between harnessing water resources for energy production and ensuring the safety and well-being of surrounding communities and ecosystems.
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 Big Quinnesec Falls Dike "B" -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Menominee River At Niagara | 1,180 cfs | → |
| Menominee River At Twin Falls Near Iron Mt | 3,420 cfs | → |
| Menominee River Near Vulcan | 2,260 cfs | → |
| Pine River Below Pine R Powerplant Nr Florence | 259 cfs | → |
| Menominee River Near Florence | 1,210 cfs | → |
| Brule River Near Commonwealth | 572 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Big Quinnesec Falls Dike "B" .
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Big Quinnesec Falls Dike "B"
Where does the data for Big Quinnesec Falls Dike "B" 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 below 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.
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.