Prickett Intake & Powerhouse dam
Prickett Intake & Powerhouse
Prickett Intake & Powerhouse is a hydroelectric facility located in Pelkie, Michigan, along the Sturgeon River. Built in 1931, this earth dam stands at 69 feet high and serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. With a normal storage capacity of 6,500 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 800 cubic feet per second, Prickett Intake & Powerhouse is a vital resource for the surrounding community.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this facility has a high hazard potential due to its location and structural characteristics. Despite its age, Prickett Intake & Powerhouse has not undergone a recent condition assessment, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability. The facility's emergency action plan was last revised in 1999, highlighting the need for updated risk management measures and mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of the surrounding area in case of emergencies.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data for Prickett Intake & Powerhouse presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of hydroelectric power generation, water management, and environmental conservation. With its historical significance and high hazard potential, this facility serves as a case study for balancing the benefits of renewable energy production with the potential risks associated with aging infrastructure and changing climate conditions. It is crucial for stakeholders to collaborate on ensuring the long-term resilience and sustainability of Prickett Intake & Powerhouse for future generations.
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 Prickett Intake & Powerhouse -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sturgeon River Near Alston | 213 cfs | → |
| Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw | 52 cfs | → |
| Silver River Near L'Anse | 33 cfs | → |
| Ontonagon River Near Rockland | 599 cfs | → |
| Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding | 150 cfs | → |
| Bond Falls Canal Near Paulding | 91 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Prickett Intake & Powerhouse .
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Prickett Intake & Powerhouse
Where does the data for Prickett Intake & Powerhouse 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.