Third Marinette Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located on the Menominee River in Marinette, Wisconsin, Third Marinette is a privately owned hydroelectric dam with a rich history dating back to its completion in 1862.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a dam height of 28 feet and a hydraulic height of 16 feet, this gravity dam serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. The dam has a storage capacity of 7,000 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 3,788 acre-feet, providing essential water resource management for the surrounding area.

Despite its age, Third Marinette continues to play a crucial role in the region's water infrastructure, with a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are unknown. As the dam is not under the jurisdiction of a state regulatory agency, its inspection frequency is set at every two years, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for the future. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Third Marinette offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of historic engineering, environmental management, and hydroelectric power generation in the Midwest.

Years Modified

1920 - Other

Year Completed

1862

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

MENOMINEE

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

586

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

4060

Nid Storage

7000

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

28
       
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.