Way Dike B-C dam
Way Dike B-C
Way Dike B-C, located in Iron County, Michigan, is a crucial structure with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. Built in 1941, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans 2,985 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 125,350 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction and recreational activities. The dam is situated on the Michigamme River and is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Despite its age, Way Dike B-C is designated as having a high hazard potential, indicating the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures. The dam has not been subject to recent condition assessments, but it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor its status, especially given its significant impact on the surrounding area. With a drainage area of 645 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 17,000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a critical role in water management and energy production in the region.
As a public utility structure owned by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Way Dike B-C serves as a key component of the local water infrastructure. It is essential for stakeholders and decision-makers to stay informed about the dam's condition and operation to ensure the safety of the community and the sustainability of the water resources it manages. With its historical significance and ongoing importance for hydroelectric power generation, Way Dike B-C represents a vital piece of Michigan's water resource management landscape.
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 Way Dike B-C -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Michigamme River Near Crystal Falls | 668 cfs | → |
| Paint River Nr Alpha | 299 cfs | → |
| Brule River At Us Highway 2 Near Florence | 238 cfs | → |
| Menominee River Near Florence | 1,210 cfs | → |
| Brule River Near Commonwealth | 572 cfs | → |
| Iron River At County Hwy-424 At Caspian | 79 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Way Dike B-C .
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Way Dike B-C
Where does the data for Way Dike B-C 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.