Summary
Completed in 1915, this gravity dam stands at 16 feet tall and stretches 400 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of recreation, Rapids offers a surface area of 17 acres and a drainage area of 545 square miles.
Despite its recreational appeal, Rapids poses a significant hazard potential with a very high risk assessment rating. While the dam is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement, its condition remains unrated and calls for increased risk management measures. The dam's spillway, controlled in nature, has a hydraulic height of 7 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 9141 cubic feet per second.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data for Rapids serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and managing our dams to mitigate risks and ensure public safety. With a rich history dating back over a century, Rapids stands as both a recreational landmark and a potential hazard, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to protect both the environment and the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1915 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
MANITOWOC |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Drainage Area |
545 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Rapids
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