Winter dam
Winter
Winter is a gravity dam located on the East Fork Chippewa River in Sawyer, Wisconsin, with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. Built in 1952, Winter stands at a height of 9 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. The dam, designed by Herman T. Hagestan, spans 145 feet in length and has a controlled spillway width of 138 feet.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Winter offers multiple benefits including fish and wildlife pond creation, recreational opportunities, and power generation. The dam has a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, indicating the importance of proper risk management measures. With a well-maintained slide gate system for water release control, Winter plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate sustainability in the region.
Although the condition assessment for Winter is currently not available, regular inspections are conducted to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam. The emergency action plan for the site was last revised in December 2020, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in case of any unforeseen events. As a key component of the water infrastructure in the area, Winter underscores the significance of responsible dam operation and maintenance for the protection of both the environment and surrounding communities.
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 Winter -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chippewa River At Bishops Bridge Near Winter | 598 cfs | → |
| Namekagon River At Leonards | 157 cfs | → |
| Bad River Near Mellen | 101 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River Near Bruce | 1,330 cfs | → |
| White River Near Ashland | 245 cfs | → |
| Flambeau River Near Bruce | 2,350 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Winter .
Boat launches
- Fishtrap Lake -- Access Off Log Lodge Rd
- Barber Lake -- Access At North End Of Lake Off Malm Rd
- Blaisdell Lake Road Town Of Draper
- Black Dan Lake -- Access Off Bumble Bee Rd
- Island Lake -- Access At Se End Of Lake Off Island Lake Rd
- Barker Lake -- Access Off Boat Landing Rd
Campgrounds
- Black Lake Recreation Area
- Black Lake
- Black Lake Recreation Area Campground
- Moose Lake Recreation Area Campground
- Moose Lake Recreation Area
- Stock Farm Bridge
Track Winter 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 Winter
Where does the data for Winter 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 Winter .