Tomahawk Left Detached Embankment Dam
Tomahawk Left Detached Embankment
The Tomahawk Left Detached Embankment is a key structure in Lincoln, Wisconsin, serving the purpose of hydroelectric power generation and recreation on the Wisconsin River. Completed in 1938, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a hydraulic height of 10.5 feet, providing a storage capacity of 15,180 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 2,773 acres. With a low hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating of 2, this dam is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and does not pose a significant danger to surrounding areas.
Located in Merrill, Wisconsin, this embankment dam is a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, ensuring sustainable water management and energy production for the region. Despite being categorized as low hazard, the dam's risk assessment highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and management to address potential safety concerns. With a designated inspection frequency and emergency action plan in place, the Tomahawk Left Detached Embankment is well-equipped to handle any unforeseen events and safeguard the local community and environment.
As a prominent feature in the Detroit District, the Tomahawk Left Detached Embankment stands as a testament to effective dam engineering and management practices. With its primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, this structure not only contributes to the region's energy needs but also provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Maintaining a balance between functionality and safety, this dam serves as a valuable asset in the water resource and climate management landscape of Wisconsin.
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 Tomahawk Left Detached Embankment -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit River At Spirit Falls | 6 cfs | → |
| Prairie River Near Merrill | 102 cfs | → |
| Wisconsin River At Merrill | 1,320 cfs | → |
| Wisconsin River @ Rainbow Lake Nr Lake Tomahawk | 413 cfs | → |
| Rib River At Rib Falls | 33 cfs | → |
| Muskellunge Creek Near St. Germain | 9 cfs | → |
About Tomahawk Left Detached Embankment
Where does the data for Tomahawk Left Detached Embankment 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.