Chalk Hills Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chalk Hills, also known as Chalk Hill Rapids Plant, is a private hydroelectric facility located in Menominee, Michigan, along the Menominee River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This gravity dam, completed in 1927, stands at a height of 43 feet and has a storage capacity of 13,100 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 7,660 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3,321 square miles, Chalk Hills plays a crucial role in water resource management and hydroelectric power generation in the region.

Despite being privately owned, Chalk Hills is subject to state permitting and enforcement regulations, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance. The dam's high hazard potential and fair condition assessment highlight the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures. With a maximum discharge capacity of 67,500 cubic feet per second, the controlled spillway and structural design of Chalk Hills enable it to withstand high water flow events and contribute to flood control efforts along the Menominee River.

The scenic location of Chalk Hills in the Chalk Hills Rapids area offers opportunities for recreational activities, while also serving as a vital infrastructure for sustainable energy production and water resource management. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, facilities like Chalk Hills play a crucial role in adapting to and mitigating the effects of a changing climate on water resources and infrastructure.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

MENOMINEE

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

766

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

3321

Nid Storage

13100

Structural Height

43

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

43
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.