Shamrock Lake dam
Shamrock Lake
Shamrock Lake in Rusk, Wisconsin, is a private reservoir managed by the USDA NRCS for irrigation and recreation purposes. Built in 1961, this earth dam has a height of 10 feet and a length of 250 feet, with a storage capacity of 370 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 56 acres and is fed by Shamrock Creek, showcasing a scenic natural setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Shamrock Lake is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the reservoir remains a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. Its uncontrolled spillway and maximum discharge capacity of 150 cubic feet per second add to the lake's appeal for water enthusiasts seeking to explore and appreciate its environmental significance.
Located in a picturesque rural area with easy access for visitors, Shamrock Lake provides a tranquil escape for those interested in water resources and climate studies. The reservoir's history, design, and management by the Natural Resources Conservation Service offer valuable insights into sustainable water usage and conservation practices. Whether for irrigation or leisure, Shamrock Lake serves as a vital resource for the local community and as a fascinating subject for enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of water management and environmental stewardship.
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 Shamrock Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Jump River At Sheldon | 674 cfs | → |
| Flambeau River Near Bruce | 1,300 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River Near Bruce | 1,260 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River At Bishops Bridge Near Winter | 602 cfs | → |
| Spirit River At Spirit Falls | 302 cfs | → |
| Bear River Near Manitowish Waters | 94 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Shamrock Lake.
Boat launches
- Flambeau River -- Access
- Dairyland Reservoir -- Access - Josie Creek Rd
- South Fork Flambeau River -- Carry-In S Of Hwy W
- Upper Steve Creek -- Flowage Ramp
- The Loop Town Of Harmony
- Lac Sault Dore/Soo Lake - Access Off Cty W
Campgrounds
- Hawkins Lions Club Park
- Hawkins Community Park
- Big Falls County Campground
- Josie Creek County Park
- Connors Lake - Flambeau River State Forest
- George's Island Camp
Track Shamrock Lake 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 Shamrock Lake
Where does the data for Shamrock Lake 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 Low 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 Shamrock Lake.