Grand Rapids, located in Marinette, Wisconsin, along the Menominee River, is a privately owned hydroelectric dam completed in 1909.
Wind
Humidity
With a gravity dam type and a height of 40 feet, Grand Rapids serves the primary purpose of generating hydroelectric power. Its structure spans 1,410 feet and provides a storage capacity of 3,900 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 2,500 acre-feet. The dam has a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, making it a critical asset in the region's water resource management.
Despite being privately owned, Grand Rapids is state-regulated and permitted for operation. The dam has not been inspected since 2008, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every two years. It is situated in a picturesque location with a surface area of 354 acres and a drainage area of 3,867 square miles. The dam's spillway type is controlled, ensuring proper water flow management during peak discharge periods. The risk management measures and emergency action plan for Grand Rapids are crucial in safeguarding the surrounding communities in the event of an emergency.
In the political landscape, Grand Rapids falls under the jurisdiction of the Chicago District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam has historical significance, with modifications dating back to 1923. With a high structural height of 40 feet and a hydraulic height of 29 feet, Grand Rapids stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering ingenuity. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Grand Rapids to be a fascinating case study in hydroelectric infrastructure and the intersection of human development with natural ecosystems.
Years Modified |
1923 - Other |
Year Completed |
1909 |
Dam Length |
1410 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
MENOMINEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
354 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
3867 |
Nid Storage |
3900 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
40 |
Menominee River Near Mc Allister
|
2220cfs |
Menominee River At Koss
|
1920cfs |
Menominee River At White Rapids Dam Near Banat
|
1200cfs |
Menominee River Below Pemene Creek Near Pembine
|
1640cfs |
Peshtigo River At Porterfield
|
394cfs |
Pike River At Amberg
|
186cfs |