Cornell
Cornell is a gravity dam located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, built in 1913. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cornell
The primary purpose of Cornell 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 Northern States Power Co (public utility). It impounds the Chippewa River near Jim Falls.
The dam stands 58 feet tall and stretches 861 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 800 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 6,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,780 square miles. Completed in 1913, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in 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 08/10/2021.
At 58 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.
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Location
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Chippewa |
| Nearest City | Jim Falls |
| River/Stream | Chippewa River |
| Coordinates | 45.16520, -91.15790 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 58 ft |
| Dam Height | 58 ft |
| Dam Length | 861 ft |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 6,600 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 6,600 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6,600 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 800 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,780 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 142,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Northern States Power Co |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/10/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WI00728 |
| Federal ID | WI00728 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |