Stiles dam
Stiles
Stiles Dam, located on the Oconto River in Wisconsin, is a vital hydroelectric and recreational structure completed in 1949. Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 2600 feet, with a storage capacity of 2400 acre-feet. The dam's controlled spillway, with a width of 60 feet, ensures effective water management during peak discharge events.
With a hazard potential rated as high and a risk assessment classifying it as very high, Stiles Dam poses significant challenges for risk management. Despite its condition assessment being unavailable, the dam remains a critical piece of infrastructure in the region. The emergency action plan was last revised in January 2021, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance the preparedness and response protocols for any potential emergencies related to the dam.
Stiles Dam serves as a testament to the intricate balance between harnessing water resources for power generation and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. While its risk level is closely monitored, the dam continues to play a crucial role in supplying hydroelectric power and supporting recreational activities in the area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the status and management of structures like Stiles Dam is essential for understanding the intersection of water infrastructure and environmental conservation.
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 Stiles -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Oconto River Near Oconto | 754 cfs | → |
| Oconto River Near Gillett | 661 cfs | → |
| Peshtigo River At Peshtigo | 986 cfs | → |
| Duck Creek Near Howard | 27 cfs | → |
| Fox River At Oil Tank Depot At Green Bay | 11,300 cfs | → |
| Peshtigo River At Porterfield | 787 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Stiles .
Boat launches
- Machickanee Flowage -- Access
- Oconto River -- Old Iron Bridge - Nr Us Hwy 141
- Oconto Falls Pond - Oconto River -- Access
- Pensaukee Boat Launch
- Center Street Oconto
- Porcupine Lake -- Access At Sw Side Of Lake
Campgrounds
- Holtwood
- Cecil B. Depeau Bay Shore Park Campgrounds
- Bay Shore Park Campground
- Shawano County Park
- Green's Green Acres Campground
- Chute Pond Park
Track Stiles 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 Stiles
Where does the data for Stiles 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Stiles .