Clarks Mill dam
Clarks Mill
Clarks Mill, located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, is a gravity dam completed in 1860 for the primary purpose of recreation along the Manitowoc River. This historic structure stands at 13 feet high and spans 140 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a surface area of 43 acres. Despite its age, Clarks Mill is in fair condition and poses a low hazard potential, making it a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking outdoor activities in the area.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Clarks Mill offers a picturesque setting for recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and moderate risk assessment add to its charm, attracting visitors who appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the historical significance of the structure. With regular inspections and enforcement measures in place, Clarks Mill provides a safe and enjoyable environment for both residents and tourists to explore and appreciate the intersection of water resources and climate in Wisconsin.
Overall, Clarks Mill serves as a vital part of the water infrastructure in Manitowoc County, offering a balance between conservation and recreation for the community. Its long history, coupled with its scenic location along the Manitowoc River, makes it a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable management practices and the preservation of natural ecosystems. Whether for leisure or educational purposes, Clarks Mill remains a significant landmark that showcases the importance of responsible stewardship of our water resources in the face of changing climate 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 Clarks Mill -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Manitowoc River At Manitowoc | 246 cfs | → |
| Otter Creek At Willow Road Near Plymouth | 31 cfs | → |
| East River At Ct Highway Zz Near Greenleaf | 8 cfs | → |
| Sheboygan River At Sheboygan | 271 cfs | → |
| Kewaunee River Near Kewaunee | 78 cfs | → |
| Fox River At Appleton | 8,860 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Clarks Mill.
Boat launches
- English Lake -- Access At Sw Side Of Lake (Nr Lake Rd)
- Collins Marsh / Mud Creek Carry-In
- Silver Lake -- Access At Just Off Hwy 151 Manitowoc
- Carstens Lake -- Boat Landing
- Hartlaub Lake -- Access At Nw Side Of Lake W
- Gass Lake -- Access At Ne Side Of Lake
Track Clarks Mill 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 Clarks Mill
Where does the data for Clarks Mill 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 Clarks Mill.