Powell Falls dam
Powell Falls
Powell Falls, located in River Falls, Wisconsin, is a gravity dam on the Kinnickinnic River with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. Completed in 1966, this multi-arch dam stands at 22 feet high and spans 137 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 37 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Powell Falls is inspected by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission every three years to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety.
This picturesque dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 110 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 16,100 cubic feet per second. With its location in the heart of Pierce County, Wisconsin, Powell Falls serves as a vital resource for water management and renewable energy production in the region. Given its impressive engineering design and historical significance, Powell Falls is a must-visit destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to learn more about sustainable hydropower practices and the impact of dams on local ecosystems.
As a locally-owned structure overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Powell Falls plays a crucial role in the management of the Kinnickinnic River watershed and contributes to the overall environmental sustainability of the area. With its rock foundations, slide gate outlet, and 15-acre surface area, Powell Falls stands as a symbol of innovative hydroelectric technology and responsible water resource management. For those passionate about water conservation and climate resilience, Powell Falls offers a unique opportunity to witness the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resource protection in action.
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.
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Powell Falls .
Boat launches
- Kinnickinnic River -- Hwy 65
- Saint Croix River -- Cove Road Landing
- 102nd Street South Washington County
- Saint Croix Lake -- King Landing
- Saint Croix River -- Hudson Town Landing (Lakefront Park)
- Mississippi River -- Prescott Public Boat Launch (2nd And Front)
Track Powell 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 Powell Falls
Where does the data for Powell 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 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 Powell Falls .