Monson Flowage dam
Monson Flowage
Monson Flowage, also known as Pershing Wildlife Area 1, is a state-owned water resource located in Taylor County, Wisconsin. This recreational area sits along the branch of Shoulder Creek and offers a variety of outdoor activities for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Completed in 1962, the earth dam stands at a height of 8.8 feet and has a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet, providing plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation on its 60-acre surface area.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Monson Flowage is regulated and inspected by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to ensure its safety and sustainability. The dam features a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge rate of 127 cubic feet per second, making it an important structure for managing water flow in the area. With its very high risk assessment rating, the flowage is equipped to handle emergencies, although detailed plans for action in case of flooding or other incidents may need updating.
Monson Flowage serves as a valuable recreational resource in the region, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty and diverse outdoor opportunities. Located just 23 miles from Holcombe, the flowage offers a serene escape for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike. With its strategic design and state oversight, Monson Flowage stands as a reliable and enjoyable destination for those looking to explore the intersection of water resources and climate in Wisconsin.
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 Monson Flowage -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Jump River At Sheldon | 198 cfs | → |
| Flambeau River Near Bruce | 1,710 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River Near Bruce | 1,110 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River At Chippewa Falls | 3,370 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River At Bishops Bridge Near Winter | 685 cfs | → |
| Spirit River At Spirit Falls | 40 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Monson Flowage.
Boat launches
- Chequamegon Waters Flowage -- Access G And Diamond Dr
- Chequamegon Waters Flowage -- Access Off Cth M
- Chequamegon Waters Flowage -- Usfs Campground Access Off Chippewa Rd
- Chequamegon Waters Flowage -- Miller Dam County Park Ramp
- Chequamegon Waters Flowage -- Access Off Perkinstown Ave
- Upper Steve Creek -- Flowage Ramp
Campgrounds
- Chippewa Campground Loop
- Chippewa Recreation Area
- Big Falls County Campground
- Kathryn Lake
- Otter Lake Campground
- Hawkins Lions Club Park
Paddle runs
- Forest Road 162 Crossing To Bridge On Blaisdell Lake
- East Forest Boundary To Forest Road 162 Crossing
- Forest Road 149 To West Forest Boundary
- Forest Road 148 To Forest Road 149
- Forest Road 144 To Forest Road 148
More reservoirs
Track Monson Flowage 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 Monson Flowage
Where does the data for Monson Flowage 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 Monson Flowage.