Potato Rapids
Potato Rapids is a gravity dam located in Marinette County, Wisconsin, built in 1920. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Potato Rapids
The primary purpose of Potato Rapids is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Peshtigo River near Peshtigo.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 1,220 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 350 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,800 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,030 square miles. Completed in 1920, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/08/2022.
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Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Marinette |
| Nearest City | Peshtigo |
| River/Stream | Peshtigo River |
| Coordinates | 45.11450, -87.76180 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,220 ft |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,800 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 350 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,030 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 21,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Wisconsin Public Service Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/08/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00757 |
| Federal ID | WI00757 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |