Rock Falls dam
Rock Falls
Rock Falls is a gravity dam located in Dunn, Wisconsin, along the Rock Creek. Built in 1864, this historic structure stands at 43 feet tall and spans 80 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its age, the dam continues to hold a vital role in water resource management in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 4,990 cubic feet per second.
The condition assessment of Rock Falls dam is rated as "poor" with a high hazard potential, prompting the need for risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and inundation maps are currently under review, highlighting the importance of preparedness in the face of emergencies. With a moderate risk level assigned, stakeholders and authorities are actively working towards ensuring the safety and efficiency of this crucial infrastructure for the surrounding communities. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Rock Falls serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between man-made structures and natural ecosystems in the face of changing environmental conditions.
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 Rock Falls -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chippewa River At Durand | 7,560 cfs | → |
| Red Cedar River At Menomonie | 1,090 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River At Chippewa Falls | 4,260 cfs | → |
| Red Cedar River Near Colfax | 797 cfs | → |
| Hay River At Wheeler | 334 cfs | → |
| Eau Galle River At Spring Valley | 20 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Rock Falls.
Boat launches
- Chippewa River -- Access At Holte's Landing
- Chippewa River -- Access At 730th St Town Of Peru
- Elk Lake
- Red Cedar River -- Dunnville Bottoms Boat Landing
- Halfmoon Lake -- Access
- Chippewa River -- Hobbs Landing
Campgrounds
- Mondovi Town Park
- Mondovi Town Park Campground
- Tarrant Park Campground
- Hoffman's Hills
- Irvington Campground & Rv Park
- Holden Park Campground
Fishing spots
Track Rock Falls 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 Rock Falls
Where does the data for Rock Falls 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 High 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 Rock Falls.