Wissota South Saddle Dike Dam
Wissota South Saddle Dike
Wissota South Saddle Dike, located in Chippewa, Wisconsin, is a vital structure owned by a public utility and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Built in 1917, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 79 feet and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. With a storage capacity of 56,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 6,212 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in managing the Chippewa River's flow and providing essential water resources to the region.
Despite its age, Wissota South Saddle Dike continues to operate effectively, with a hazard potential classified as high due to its critical function in water management. Regular inspections by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ensure its structural integrity and safety standards are upheld, although specific condition assessments are not publicly available. With no recent modifications or risk management measures reported, the dam remains a key component of the local water infrastructure, contributing to both environmental protection and community well-being.
As a significant piece of Wisconsin's water resource system, Wissota South Saddle Dike stands as a testament to the enduring importance of hydroelectric power and flood control in the region. With its historical significance, ongoing regulatory oversight, and essential role in water management, this dam is a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Wissota South Saddle Dike -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chippewa River At Chippewa Falls | 1,320 cfs | → |
| Red Cedar River Near Colfax | 538 cfs | → |
| Hay River At Wheeler | 211 cfs | → |
| Red Cedar River At Menomonie | 812 cfs | → |
| Flambeau River Near Bruce | 626 cfs | → |
| Jump River At Sheldon | 53 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Wissota South Saddle Dike .
Boat launches
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About Wissota South Saddle Dike
Where does the data for Wissota South Saddle Dike 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 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.