Beaver Creek 3 dam
Beaver Creek 3
Beaver Creek 3, located in Shennington, Wisconsin, is a vital water resource structure designed for multiple purposes, including irrigation, recreation, and water supply. Completed in 1935, this dam boasts a height of 11 feet and a storage capacity of 270 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 68 square miles. With a normal storage capacity of 230 acre-feet and a surface area of 38 acres, Beaver Creek 3 plays a crucial role in water management in the region.
Despite its significance, Beaver Creek 3 is currently in an unsatisfactory condition, highlighting the need for regular inspections and maintenance. The last inspection in 2013 found the dam to have a low hazard potential, but with a very high risk assessment rating. The regulatory oversight by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ensures that the dam meets safety standards and operates effectively. However, the structure's risk management measures and emergency preparedness require further attention to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of downstream communities.
With its controlled spillway and historic significance, Beaver Creek 3 stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As water enthusiasts and climate advocates, it is imperative to monitor and support the maintenance and operation of such critical infrastructure to safeguard water resources and mitigate risks posed by climate variability and extreme weather events. The collaboration between state and federal agencies, along with community engagement, is essential in ensuring the longevity and safety of Beaver Creek 3 for generations to come.
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 Beaver Creek 3 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow River At Babcock | 57 cfs | → |
| Yellow River At Necedah | 253 cfs | → |
| Lemonweir River At New Lisbon | 326 cfs | → |
| Tenmile Creek Near Nekoosa | 130 cfs | → |
| Wisconsin River At Wisconsin Rapids | 4,180 cfs | → |
| Black River Ds St Hwy 54 @ Black River Falls | 1,070 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Beaver Creek 3.
Boat launches
- Petenwell Lake - 20th Drive Access - Wisconsin River Power Company (Wrpco)
- Petenwell Lake - Wilderness Park Access
- Wisconsin River -- Access At Hwy 21 - Town Of Strongs Prairie
- Wisconsin River / Petenwell Flowage -- Access Off Blackhawk Dr.
- Petenwell Lake -- 20th Drive Access
- Wisconsin River -- Access Nr Cth G Town Of Necedah
Track Beaver Creek 3 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 Beaver Creek 3
Where does the data for Beaver Creek 3 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 Beaver Creek 3.