Cornell dam
Cornell
Cornell Dam, located in Jim Falls, Wisconsin, is a significant hydroelectric structure on the Chippewa River, completed in 1913. Managed by a public utility, the dam stands at a height of 58 feet and spans 860 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 6600 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge of 176,000 cubic feet per second, the dam serves both hydroelectric and recreational purposes, contributing to the region's water resource management and energy generation.
Operated under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Cornell Dam has a controlled spillway and 14 Tainter radial outlet gates. The dam's hazard potential is deemed significant, with a very high risk assessment ranking. Despite the lack of available condition assessment data, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2019. The dam's location and design, situated on rock foundations, showcase its structural integrity and importance in regulating the Chippewa River's flow.
As a key feature on the Chippewa River, Cornell Dam plays a crucial role in water management and energy production for the surrounding area. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight by federal agencies, the dam exemplifies the intersection of water resources and climate considerations in sustainable infrastructure development. Its operation and maintenance reflect a commitment to public safety and environmental stewardship in harnessing the power of water for the benefit of the community.
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 Cornell -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Jump River At Sheldon | 1,270 cfs | → |
| Flambeau River Near Bruce | 2,350 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River Near Bruce | 1,330 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River At Chippewa Falls | 6,620 cfs | → |
| Red Cedar River Near Colfax | 897 cfs | → |
| Hay River At Wheeler | 376 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Cornell .
Boat launches
- Chippewa River/Cornell Flowage -- Access
- Cornell Flowage/Chippewa River -- Access
- Firth Lake -- Access
- Chippewa River/Old Abe Lake -- Access
- Holcombe Flowage -- Access At Near 260th Ave
- Chippewa River/Holcombe Flowage -- Access Off Cth M
Track Cornell 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 Cornell
Where does the data for Cornell 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 Significant 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 Cornell .