Hancock Lake Dam
Hancock Lake
Hancock Lake in Oneida, Wisconsin, is a picturesque reservoir owned by the local government and regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Built in 1930 for recreational purposes, this gravity dam stands at 11 feet tall and spans 50 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 2,600 acre-feet. The lake covers an area of 259 acres and is fed by Little Rice Creek, providing a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities like fishing and boating.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Hancock Lake poses a very high risk due to its location and potential impact on the surrounding area in case of an emergency. The dam has been inspected periodically, with the last assessment conducted in May 2020, and is equipped with a controlled spillway to manage water discharge. While the risk management measures for the lake are not specified, enthusiasts can appreciate the natural beauty of Hancock Lake while being mindful of its importance in maintaining the local water resources and climate resilience.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hancock Lake serves as a valuable recreational asset in Wisconsin, offering a tranquil escape for outdoor activities while also highlighting the importance of responsible dam management. With its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, this gravity dam continues to provide a source of enjoyment for visitors, showcasing the delicate balance between human development and environmental conservation. As climate change poses new challenges to water resources, Hancock Lake stands as a reminder of the need for sustainable practices to protect our natural ecosystems for future generations to come.
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 Hancock Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin River @ Rainbow Lake Nr Lake Tomahawk | 413 cfs | → |
| Spirit River At Spirit Falls | 6 cfs | → |
| Muskellunge Creek Near St. Germain | 9 cfs | → |
| Prairie River Near Merrill | 102 cfs | → |
| Muskellunge Ck-Muskellunge L Otl-Nr Eagle River | 2 cfs | → |
| Allequash Creek At Cth M Nr Boulder Junction | 11 cfs | → |
About Hancock Lake
Where does the data for Hancock Lake 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 below 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.
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.