Mississippi River Lock And Dam 5a - Winona Levee dam
Mississippi River Lock And Dam 5a - Winona Levee
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5a, also known as Winona Levee, is a vital infrastructure located in Winona, Minnesota, along the Mississippi River. Built in 1936 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this concrete dam serves the primary purpose of navigation, with additional functions for recreation. Standing at a height of 46 feet and stretching over 21,520 feet in length, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and ensuring the safety of the surrounding areas.
With a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, the US Army Corps of Engineers diligently monitors and manages flood risks associated with the dam. By conducting regular inspections, maintaining emergency action plans, and engaging with local stakeholders, the Corps strives to enhance public safety and preparedness in the event of a dam-related emergency. Despite the challenges of severe weather events and limited water storage capacity, the Corps remains committed to safeguarding the structural integrity of the dam and mitigating potential risks to the community.
As a key asset in the region, Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5a underscores the importance of proactive risk management and collaboration between federal agencies, local authorities, and the public. By implementing strategic measures and ongoing maintenance practices, the US Army Corps of Engineers aims to uphold the resilience and functionality of this critical infrastructure while ensuring the safety and well-being of all those who depend on its operations along the Mississippi River.
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.
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 Mississippi River Lock And Dam 5a - Winona Levee -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi River At Winona | 30,300 cfs | → |
| Trempealeau River At Dodge | 685 cfs | → |
| Trempealeau River At Arcadia | 627 cfs | → |
| Zumbro River At Kellogg | 1,550 cfs | → |
| Black River Near Galesville | 1,860 cfs | → |
| Root River Near Houston | 898 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Mississippi River Lock And Dam 5a - Winona Levee.
Boat launches
- Bartlet Lake Road Winona
- Prairie Island Road Winona
- Mississippi River -- Lower Fountain City Landing
- Mississippi River -- Fountain City Boat Dock
- Mississippi River -- Merrick Park South
- Lake Winona Bike Path Winona
Campgrounds
- Prairie Island Campground
- Prairie Island City Campground
- Merrick State Park
- Merrick State Park Campground
- John Latsch State Park
- Pla-Mor Campground
Fishing spots
- Dacota Street Fishing Pier
- Huff Street Fishing Pier
- Franklin St. Fishing Pier
- Bigalks Creek
- Coldwater Creek
- Pine Creek
Track Mississippi River Lock And Dam 5a - Winona Levee in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Mississippi River Lock And Dam 5a - Winona Levee
Where does the data for Mississippi River Lock And Dam 5a - Winona Levee 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 Significant 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Mississippi River Lock And Dam 5a - Winona Levee.