Jim Falls dam
Jim Falls
Jim Falls, located in Chippewa, Wisconsin, is a gravity dam on the Chippewa River that serves the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. Completed in 1923, this historic structure stands at a height of 55 feet and has a length of 2589 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 11400 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4891 square miles, Jim Falls plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Jim Falls has a controlled spillway with a width of 266 feet and 13 Tainter (radial) outlet gates. The dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment score. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Jim Falls is not available, indicating the need for further inspection and evaluation to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Jim Falls to be a fascinating example of early hydroelectric infrastructure in the United States.
With its scenic location and dual purposes of hydroelectric power generation and recreation, Jim Falls offers a unique blend of engineering marvel and natural beauty. The dam's historic significance, coupled with its role in water management and energy production, makes it a noteworthy site for those interested in the intersection of water resources, climate, and infrastructure development. As efforts continue to monitor and maintain the dam's safety, Jim Falls remains an important landmark in Wisconsin's water resource landscape.
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 Jim Falls -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chippewa River At Chippewa Falls | 6,620 cfs | → |
| Flambeau River Near Bruce | 2,350 cfs | → |
| Red Cedar River Near Colfax | 897 cfs | → |
| Jump River At Sheldon | 1,270 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River Near Bruce | 1,330 cfs | → |
| Hay River At Wheeler | 376 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Jim Falls .
Boat launches
- Chippewa River -- Access Off 189th St (North Of Lake Wissota)
- Chippewa River/Old Abe Lake -- Access
- Lake Wissota / Yellow River -- Access At Lake Wissota State Park
- Yellow River -- Access
- Lake Wissota -- Access - Chippewa Rod And Gun Club
- Hemlock Lake - Boat Launch Off 224th Ave
Track Jim Falls 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 Jim Falls
Where does the data for Jim Falls 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 High 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.