Kingsford, located in Florence, Wisconsin, is a privately owned hydroelectric dam on the Menominee River with a significant hazard potential.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1925, this gravity dam stands at 35 feet tall and stretches 700 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 7,060 acre-feet. The dam serves both hydroelectric and recreational purposes, with a normal storage capacity of 4,570 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2,367 square miles.
Despite being under state jurisdiction and permitting, Kingsford has not undergone recent inspections or condition assessments. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2019, indicating potential gaps in emergency preparedness. With a very high risk assessment rating, Kingsford poses a significant threat in the event of a failure, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the river ecosystem.
As a key component of the Detroit District's water infrastructure, Kingsford plays a vital role in managing water resources and providing clean energy to the region. Climate enthusiasts and water resource stakeholders should closely monitor developments at Kingsford to ensure proper risk management measures are in place to safeguard against potential environmental and safety hazards.
Year Completed |
1925 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
MENOMINEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
415 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
2367 |
Nid Storage |
7060 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
35 |
Menominee River At Twin Falls Near Iron Mt
|
3420cfs |
Pine River Below Pine R Powerplant Nr Florence
|
273cfs |
Menominee River At Niagara
|
1260cfs |
Menominee River Near Florence
|
950cfs |
Brule River Near Commonwealth
|
428cfs |
Menominee River Near Vulcan
|
1690cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
River Bends Campground
|
||
Summer Breeze Campground
|
||
New Prospect - Kettle Moraine State Forest
|