Hay Creek dam
Hay Creek
Hay Creek, located in Iron County, Wisconsin, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1960 primarily for recreation purposes. The dam stands at 8 feet high and has a storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 167 cubic feet per second, the dam spans 450 feet in length and covers a surface area of 64 acres. Despite its fair condition assessment and low hazard potential, the risk assessment for Hay Creek has been classified as very high, indicating the need for heightened monitoring and risk management measures.
The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) and undergoes regular state inspections, with the last assessment conducted in May 2020. While the emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not specified in the data, the dam's controlled spillway type and location in a high-risk area underscore the importance of preparedness and mitigation efforts. Situated within the Detroit District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Hay Creek is a notable water resource for enthusiasts interested in the intersection of dam infrastructure, climate change, and recreational opportunities in the region.
Given the unique characteristics and risk profile of Hay Creek, stakeholders and climate enthusiasts should closely monitor updates and assessments related to its condition and emergency preparedness. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure resilience, understanding the potential vulnerabilities and management strategies for dams like Hay Creek is crucial for ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of this valuable recreational resource. With its scenic location and recreational offerings, Hay Creek serves as a focal point for discussions on water resource management, climate resilience, and the importance of proactive risk mitigation in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
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 Hay Creek -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bear River Near Manitowish Waters | 99 cfs | → |
| Trout River At Trout Lake Near Boulder Junction | 30 cfs | → |
| Bad River Near Mellen | 101 cfs | → |
| North Creek @ Trout Lake Nr Boulder Junction | 3 cfs | → |
| Allequash Creek At Cth M Nr Boulder Junction | 11 cfs | → |
| Stevenson Creek At Cth M Nr Boulder Junction | 2 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Hay Creek.
Boat launches
- South Fork Flambeau River -- Access Off Sugar Bush Ln
- Patterson Lake -- Access
- Dam Road Town Of Mercer
- South Fork Flambeau River -- Carry-In Along Sugarbush Rd
- Newman Lake -- Access
- South Fork Flambeau River -- Access At East Rd
Campgrounds
- Smith Rapids Campground
- Hines Park & Campground
- Hines City Park
- Twin Lakes Recreation Area
- Twin Lakes Recreation Area Campground
- Lake Of The Falls Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track Hay Creek 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 Hay Creek
Where does the data for Hay Creek 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 Hay Creek.