Water-Supply and Irrigation Paper No. 156 Series N, Water Power, 11

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

CHARLES D. \VALCOTT, .DIRECTOR

BY

LEONARD S. SMITH

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1906

CONTENTS.

I

I

Page

Introduction............................................................... 9

Significance and extent of water-power resources................... 9

Sources of information.......................................... 9

Physical geography of northern Wisconsin..................................... 10

Geology............................................................... 10

Pre-Cambrian rocks................................................ 10

Paleozoic rocks.................................................... 10

Glacial drift....................................................... 11

Topography........................................................... 12

Hydrography........................................................... 12

Soils.................................................................. 13

Forest conditions....................................................... 14

Climatic conditions..................................................... 15

Temperature...................................................... 15

Precipitation...................................................... 15

Fox River system.......................................................... 19

Drainage.............................................................. 19

Upper Fox............................................................ 20

Lower Fox............................................................ 21

Geology and topography............................................ 21

Profile...............'.................................-..-..-.... 22

Rainfall and run-off................................................ 22

Water powers...................................................... 32

General statement.............................................. 32

Legal status.................................................... 32

Neenah....................................................... 34

Menasha...................................................... 34

Appleton...................................................... 35

Fall...................................................... 35

Upper dam ............................................... 35

Middle dam............................................... 36

Lower dam................................................ 37

Cedars dam................................................... 37

Littlechute. ^.................................................. 38

Combined Locks dam........................................... 38

Grand Kaukauna dam.......................................... 38

Rapide Creche dam............................................ 40

Little Kaukauna dam........................................... 40

Depere dam................................................... 41

Railroads......................................................... 42
4 CONTENTS.

Page.

Menominee Eiver system.................................................... 42

Drainage.............................................................. 42

Profile................................................................ 42

Geology............................................................... 43

Rainfall and run-off.................................................... 44

Water powers.......................................................... 51

General conditions................................................. 51

Bad Water rapids..........................................'........ 51

Twin Falls........................................................ 51

Pine Eiver rapids.................................'.................. 51

Horse Race rapids.................................................. 52

Big Quinnesec Falls................................................ 52

Little Quinnesec Falls.............................................. 52

Sand Portage rapids..._............................................ 52

Sturgeon Falls..................................................... 53

Pemena dam and rapids............................................ 53

Chalk Hill rapids................................................... 53

White rapids...................................................... 54

Twin Island rapids................................................. 54

Schappies rapids................................................... 54

Marinette dams.................................................... 54

Tributaries............................................................ 55

Dams on main river and tributaries...................................... 56

Peshtigo River............................................................. 56

Oconto River.............................................................. 57

General conditions..................................................... 57

Water powers.......................................................... 57

Stiles............................................................. 57

Oconto Falls....................................................... 58

Pulcifer dam...................................................... 58

Miscellaneous...................................................... 58

Wolf River system......................................................... 59

General conditions..................................................... 59

Run-off .............................................................. 60

. Tributaries........_................................................... 62

Water powers.......................................................... 62

Wisconsin River system..................................................... 63

Topography and drainage............................................... 63

Lake elevations and reservoir sites....................................... 64

Profile................................................................ 65

Geology............................................................... 67

Rainfall and run-off.................................................... 67

Railroads............................................................. 76

WT ater powers.......................................................... 76

Kilbourn.......................................................... 77

Nekoosa.......................................................... 77

Port Edwards..................................................... 77

Grand Rapids..................................................... 78

Stevens Point...................................................... 78

Battle Island...................................................... 78

Mosinee........................................................... 79

Rothchilds........................................................ 79

Wausau........................................................... 79
I

I

I

CONTENTS. 0

Page.

Wisconsin River system Continued. 

Water powers Continued.

Brokaw........................................................... 80

Trapp rapids...................................................... 80

Merrill............................................................ 80

Bill Cross rapids................................................... 80

Grandfather rapids................................................. 81

Grandmother rapids................................................ 81

Tomahawk dam.................................................... 81

Pine Creek rapids.................................................. 81

Whirlpool rapids................................................... 81

Hat rapids...................._.._................._........-..... 82

Rhinelander dam................................................... 82

Rainbow rapids.................................................... 82

Otter rapids....................................................... 82

Tributaries............................................................ 82

General statement...........__..................................... 82

St. Germain River.................................................. 83

Tomahawk River.................................................. 83

Pelican River...................................................... 83

Prairie River...................................................... 84

Rib River......................................................... 84

Eau Claire River................................................... 84

Eau Pleine River................................................... 85

Black River............................................................... 85

Topography and drainage............................................... 85

Water powers.......................................................... 89

Black River Falls.................................................. 89

Black River Falls to Neillsville....................................... 89

Neillsville......................................................... 90

Hemlock dam..................................................... 90

Railroads............................................................. 90

Chippewa River system..................................................... 90

Topography and drainage............................................... 90

Geology............................................................... 91

Proposed reservoir sites................................................. 91

Railroads............................................................. 92

Rainfall and run-off.................................................... 93

Water powers.........................._............................... 98

Below junction of Flambeau River............._..................... 98

Topography and drainage....................................... 98

Eau Claire.................................................... 100

Chippewa Falls................................................ 101

Jim Falls...................................................... 101

Brunett Falls.................................................. 102

Holcombe dam................................................ 103

Mouth of Flambeau............................................ 103

Branches and upper waters.......................................... 103

Topography and drainage....................................... 103

East Branch of Chippewa River.................................. 104

West Branch of Chippewa River................................. 104

Court Oreilles River............................................. 104

Upper powers.................................................. 105
6 CONTENTS.

Chippewa River s_ystem Continued. Page.

Tributaries............................................................ 105

Flambeau River................................................... 105

Drainage and water powers...................................... 105

Profile........................................................ 106

Rainfall and run-off............................................ 107

Tributaries.................................................... 113

Red Cedar River................................................... 113

Drainage...................................................... 113

Profile........................................................ 113

Water powers and dams........................................ 114

Railroads..................................................... 115

Eau Claire River................................................... 115

Jump River....................................................... 115

Yellow River...................................................... 116

Smaller tributaries................................................. 116

St. Croix River system...................................................... 117

Topography and drainage............................................... 117

Profile................................................................ 118

Geology............................................................... 119

Rainfall and run-off.................................................... 119

Water powers.......................................................... 123

Fall.............................................................. 123

St. Croix rapids.................................................... 124

Kettle River rapids................................................. 124

Tributaries............................................................ 125

Length and drainage............................................... 125

Yellow River...................................................... 125

Eau Claire River................................................... 126

Apple River....................................................... 126

Willow River...................................................... 128

Clam River........................................................ 128

Namekagon and Totogatic rivers..................................... 129

Minor streams..................................................... 131

Osceola Creek.................................................. 131

Kinnikinnic River.............................................. 131

Lake Superior system....................................................... 132

Topography........................................................... 132

Water powers.......................................................... 132 -

Character............................................_.......... 132

St. Louis River.................................................... 133

Nemadji and Black rivers........................................... 134

Bois Brule River................................................... 134

Montreal and Gogoshungun rivers ................................... 135

Bad River......................................................... 135

Main river ...................................................... 135

Tributaries ...".................................................. 136

White River................................................... 136

Maringouin River.............................................. 136

Tylers Fork................................................... 137

Potato River.................................................. 137

Minor rivers....................................................... 137

Railroads............................................................. 137

Index..................................................................... 139
ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page. 

PLATE I. Drainage map of Wisconsin......................................... 12

II. A, Dam on lower Fox River at Depere, Wis., looking east; B, Combined

Looks dam, Littlcchute, Wis., lower Fox River ...................... 38

III. A, Grandfather rapids, Wisconsin River; B, Brunett Falls, Chippewa

River.......................................................... 80

IV. Profile of Chippewa River from Reeds Landing, Minn., to Flambeau, Wis. 100 

V. A, Lower pitch of Big Falls, Flambeau River; B, Copper Falls, Bad

River........................................................ . 106

Fro. 1. Rainfall map of Wisconsin...................................... . 16

2. Chart showing rainfall at Milwaukee, 1S37-1904....................... 18

3. Plan of water-power development, at Little Kaukauna, Wis............. 41

4. Plan of proposed water-power development at Jim Falls............... 102

5. Plan of canal of Great Northern Power Company on St. Louis River. . 133
i
WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

By L. S. SMITH.

INTRODUCTION.

Significance and extent of water-power resources. Unlike other great natural resources of 

the State, such as the forest and mineral wealth, the utilization of which means the final 

destruction of the source of supply, the water-power resources are as certain and eternal 

as the sunshine. The importance of water powers to a State so remote from coal mines as 

is Wisconsin is not likely to be overestimated. Unquestionably these powers are destined 

to exercise a wide influence on the development of the State. So far as known, not a single 

important river in the State has as yet been made to fully produce its available power. 

The lower Fox may be said to come the nearest to this, with a total of 31,898 actual horsepower,a all produced in the 35 miles between Lake Wiunebago and Green Bay. This large 

water power has caused the district to take high rank as a paper and pulp manufacturing 

center. Wisconsin, Chippewa, and St. Croix rivers can each be made to produce power 

equaling and even exceeding that of the lower Fox. Growth in the development of Wisconsin water powers has been very rapid. During the ten years ending in 1900 the gain 

was 75 per cent. The following figures show the growth during the last thirty years:

Wisconsin water powers developed.

Horsepower.

1870..................................................................... 33, 700

1880..................................................................... 45, 300

1890..................................................................... 56, 700

1900..................................................................... 99,000

The annual saving represented by this power over the cost of an equivalent amount of 

steam power, computed at $20 per horsepower, reaches the sum of nearly $2,000,000.

Sources of information. Judging from the scant literature descriptive of Wisconsin water 

powers, but little attention has been directed in the past to this great natural resource of 

the State. The longest and most accurate description is contained in the Tenth Census 

of the United States. In Geology of Wisconsin, volume 3, 1880, will be found good detailed 

descriptions of the Lake Superior rivers from the standpoint of a geologist. Very reliable 

information regarding the upper headwaters of the larger rivers is given in the reports of 

the Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army, for the years 1879-1883, inclusive, to which frequent 

reference is herein made. This work of surveying reservoir sites involved the running of 

many hundred miles of levels, thus securing numerous water levels on lakes and rivers. 

The maps of these surveys were never published, but copies of the originals have been 

obtained, and no pains or expense has been spared to preserve and present these dataA fourth source of information, and a most welcome one, both because of its intrinsic value 

and because it marks the beginning of a rational and systematic study of Wisconsin water 

powers, is the detailed survey of part of Chippewa River and the daily discharge records of

a Rept. Chief Eng. U. S. Army, 1897, p. 2737.

9
10 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

many important water-power rivers carried on hy the United States Geological Survey 

during the years 1903, 1904, and 1905. a

Finally, the data here presented would have lacked much of whatever value and completeness they may have had it not been for the generous support of hydraulic engineers 

and mill owners.

After exhausting all possible sources of information by correspondence, however, it was 

found that many points of importance could be cleared up only by a personal visit to the 

field. In this manner visits were made to St. Groix River at Taylors Falls; to Apple and 

Willow rivers; to Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, on Chippewa River; to Black River Falls 

and Neillsville, on Black River; to Grand Rapids, fit evens Point, Tomahawk, and Rhinelander, on Wisconsin River, and to Oshkosh, Applet on, Menasha, Kaukauna, and Depere, 

on Fox River.

The importance of these water-power resources to the development of the State would 

certainly justify it in cooperating financially with the United States Geological Survey by 

extending the investigation to include hypsometric surveys of the important rivers, especially in the region now undeveloped.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

The rock formations of northern Wisconsin readily fall into three classes the pre-Cambrian crystalline rocks, the Paleozoic rocks, and the Glacial drift. The pre-Cambrian and 

Paleozoic formations are adjacent to one another, but the loose Glacial drift is distributed 

irregularly over all the hard-rock formations of the region.

PRK-CAMBRIAN ROCKS.

The pre-Cambrian crystalline rocks consist of various kinds of igneous rocks, such as 

greenstone or trap rocks, granite, diorite, rhyolite, schists, and gneisses, and varieties of 

metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, such as quartzite, slate, limestone, conglomerate ferruginous rocks, slate, and schists. The rocks here classed as pre-Cambrian include all those 

often referred to as the Laurentian (Archean), Huronian, and Keweenawan series. The 

various kinds of crystalline rocks generally stand on edge, trend in various directions, and 

form irregular belts and areas throughout the region.

The area of crystalline rocks covers the principal part of northern Wisconsin. Its northern boundary is approximately parallel to and very near the adjacent shore of Lake Superior; 

on the west it projects irregularly into Minnesota; on the south it extends to the central part 

of the State, and on the east it reaches within 25 to 40 miles of Green Bay.

The pre-Cambrian region is the highest portion of the State, and in these crystalline 

highlands the large rivers have their source and flow outward in all'directions. The crystalline rocks are generally hard. They do not everywhere have this character, however, and 

the lack of uniformity causes much irregularity in the surface features. High, rounded 

knobs of hard granite and quartzite dot the surface of the region, and the abrupt variations 

in the character of the rock along the river valleys have caused the formation of numerous 

rapids and waterfalls. The slope of the pre-Cambrian region is relatively steep on the Lake 

Superior side and comparatively gentle toward tlie east, south, and west.

PALEOZOIC EOCKS.

The Paleozoic rocks consist of alternating formations of comparatively incoherent, 

friable sandstone and hard, compact limestone lying unconformably upon the upturned 

edges of the crystalline rocks and dipping slightly toward the north, east, south, and

a The Wisconsin legislature of I!t05 appropriated 82,500 for the purpose of surveying the water 

powers of the State in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey, which has set aside an 

equal amount for this purpose. In the fall of 1905 Wisconsin, Black, arid Flambeau rivers were 

surveyed. This work is in charge of Leonard S. Smith.

b Prepared by S Weidman, State geologist of Wisconsin.
GEOLOGY. 11

west the dip thus being away from the broad central core of the pre-Cambrian region. 

The Paleozoic rocks of northern Wisconsin include the following formations, named frum 

the base upward: (1) Cambrian ("Potsdam") sandstone, (2) "Lower Magnesian" limestone, (3) St. Peter sandstone, and (4) "Trenton'' limestone.

The Cambrian sandstone is by far the most abundant Paleozoic rock of the region. Along 

the shore of Lake Superior, where it is generally called the Lake Superior sandstone, it forms 

a strip less than a mile in width at the Michigan boundary, increasing to 15 miles in width at 

the Minnesota boundary. For variable distances of 15 to 40 miles about the broad central 

area of the pri'-Oambrian to the west, south, and east, the Cambrian is the principal surface 

rock. It is only adjacent to the shore of Green Bay on the east and in St. Croix and Pierce 

counties on tho west that limestone and sandstone later than the Cambrian occur to any 

notable extent.

The surface features of the Cambrian sandstone district are mainly broad valley bottoms, 

dotted here and there with a few pinnacles of hard sand rock. In the region of the limestone, 

however, the valleys are generally sharp and narrow, and the uplands constitute the main 

portion of the landscape. The hills and sharp ravines in the limestone district are in sharp 

contrast with the broad, graded valley bottoms of the sandstone district.

GLACIAL DRIFT.

The Glacial drift consists of a loose, incoherent mass of bowlders, gravel, sand, and clay. 

In some places the coarse drift is abundant, while in other places clays and sand prevail. 

The drift has a very irregular thickness throughout the area. It was deposited upon the 

older crystalline and Paleozoic rocks during the several successive glaciations in Wisconsin 

and the adjacent region.

Drift in variable quantity occurs throughout northern Wisconsin, being very abundant 

in the northeastern, northern, and northwestern parts of the region, while in a very irregular 

but considerable area in the southwestern part the drift is very thin.

The surface of a large part of the drift-covered region is very irregular and uneven, and 

consists of hills and ridges alternating with basins, swamps, and lakes. In some places 

the drift covering completely obliterates the topographic features of the crystalline and 

Paleozoic rocks: in other places it only modifies the older topography. On the whole, 

however, the glaciation of the region exerted a considerable influence on the distribution of the drainage lines and in shaping the minor inequalities of the land surface. 

The drift region, from the topographic point of view, may be divided into two general 

districts one covered by the older drift series and the other by the later drift. In the 

district of the older drift, the southwestern part of northern Wisconsin, there are no lakes 

or ponds, and swamps are very rare. Here the topography is mature and the land has 

good surface drainage. In the district of the later drift, however, which includes the 

main portion of northern Wisconsin, the glacial deposits are abundant; ridges and hills 

of bowldery material occur, and lakes, swamps, and sags are common. In this district, 

therefore, the surface drainage is often very poor and large amounts of water are held in 

swamps and ponds. Here, also, there are marked did'erences in the surface features prevailing over large parts of the district. Along its border is the terminal moraine, often 

called the ''kettle moraine," having a width ranging from 3 or 4 to 20 miles and consisting 

of numerous drift hills and ridges closely associated with sags, lakes, and ponds. This 

terminal moraine extends across the entire continent. In crossing this portion of the 

State it turns north a few miles east of Grand Rapids, thence extends to Antigo, thence 

in a sinuous belt westward to Barren County, and thence southwest into Minnesota. 

Back of this terminal moraine that is, to the east and north are similar belts known as 

"recessional moraines," separated one from another by broad areas having the general features 

of the hard rocks beneath. Between the moraine belts are broad tracts of sandy land, 

called "barrens," which cover considerable portions of the northwestern part of the State. 

Along Lake Superior is a broad belt of nearly flat clay land which may be mentioned, 

though it has no influence on the distribution of the water powers of the region.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER NO. 156 PL. I

DRAINAGE MAP OF WISCONSIN.
12 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

TOPOGRAPHY.

The abundant water-power resources of Wisconsin are the result of its unique topography. 

A wide and comparatively flat highland crosses the northern part of the State. This 

divide varies in elevation from 1,900 feet in the eastern part to 1,000 feet in the western 

part, and extends to within 30 miles of Lake Superior. From it the rivers descend radially 

in all directions except eastward. Owing to the fact that Lakes Superior and Michigan 

bound the State on the north and east, while Mississippi River forms the southwestern 

and the larger part of the western boundary, all the rivers must needs find a low trough 

into which to discharge, and that at a short distance from their source. This condition 

results in a rapid fall and large water powers.

About 9 per cent of the total area considered belongs to the abrupt Lake Superior watershed and the remainder to the broad southeast, south, and southwest slopes. The divides 

between the rivers which drain this southern slope are almost imperceptible, in some cases 

being entirely lost in labyrinths of lakes and swamps.

Hills over 300 feet in height are rare. A few "mounds," or isolated steep hills with extremely narrow 

bases, rise out of the sandy plains of Jackson and Clark counties, and a few larger, more massive hills, 

one 1,940 feet above the sea, occur in the valleys of the larger rivers, besides the low, broad hills which 

form the crests of the Penokee and Copper ranges. These hilly tracts do not cover over 5 per cent of 

the total area, while about 45 per cent is level upland and about 50 per cent is rolling country, of which 

a considerable portion is steeply rolling "kettle" or "pot-hole 1 ' land.a

The surface features are discussed elsewhere, under the head of "Geology," and also in 

connection with the drainage of each river.

HYDROGRAPHY.

St. Croix, Chippewa, Black, and Wisconsin rivers drain 70 per cent of the northern half 

of the State, an area nearly equal to that of the State of Maine. The Lake Superior rivers 

drain only 9.3 per cent and those flowing into Green Bay the remaining 20.7 per cent.

In general, each of the important rivers may be divided into three divisions, differing 

widely in physical characteristics. First, the headwaters, marked by sluggish streams 

with low divides, fed by numerous and extensive swamps and lakes, frequently so interlaced that it is impossible to trace out the river divides. Here many of the lakes have dam 

sites forming natural reservoirs for the river below. Bowlder rapids are here of frequent 

occurrence. Second, a stretch of maximum descent along the center reach of the river, 

abounding in numerous falls and long stretches of rapids. This part of the river is always 

in the region of the pre-Cambrian crystalline rocks, the southern border of which marks 

the lower limit of the rapids. & Third, the lower portion of the course, where for a distance 

of about 50 miles the river flows through sandstone and limestone, the descent being very 

slight. This region is, therefore, devoid of water power. In fact, the United States Government has improved the larger rivers along this reach for the purpose of navigation without the use of locks.

As compared with the upper Mississippi basin in Minnesota, the area under discussion 

may be said to have a steeper grade, the middle portion, containing the main water powers, 

having an average fall of 3 to 8 feet to the mile. Because of the storage effect of the lakes 

and swamps, the low-water run-off is as high as from 0.3 to 0.8 second-foot per square mile 

of drainage area. Probably about a third of the total rainfall finds its way into the streams.

The general use and control of these northern rivers for logging purposes in the past 

tended to decrease the value of the water powers by withholding the water at times when 

most needed. All logging on rivers is fast disappearing. Indeed, on many rivers, like 

the Wisconsin, it has practically given way entirely to railroad transportation. This 

leaves the rivers free for the permanent development of their water powers. The effect on

a Roth, Filihert, Forestry Conditions of Northern Wisconsin: Bull. Vv'is. (ieol. and Nat. Hist. Survey, No. 1, 1898, pp. 2-3.

f>The only important exception to this rule is on Wisconsin River at Kilbourn, where the river 

descends rapidly about 16 feet in the dalles of the Potsdam sandstone.
HYDKOGRAPHY SOILS. 13

the stage of water which these dams have had in the past suggests their enlargement, 

extension, and systematic operation for the sole purpose of increasing the low-water flow. 

The United States engineers have surveyed 32 largo reservoirs in Wisconsin and have 

constructed five such reservoirs in Minnesota. The total capacities of the proposed Wisconsin reservoirs are as follows:«

Storage capacity of proposed resenvirfs in Wisconsin.

Chippewa................................................................ Not given.

'9.130,000,000

The intelligent operation of even a part of these reservoirs would have a marked effect 

in steadying the river discharge. This point will he separately discussed in connection 

with the several rivers. It may be remarked here that nature, by providing numerous 

swamps and upward of 1,400 lakes for this region, has accomplished unaided a decided 

regulation of the water supply.

The availability of these water powers varies greatly on the different rivers, or even on 

parts of the same river. Those on Wisconsin River, for example, are all reached by the 

Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway, which parallels the river for 100 miles, and by 

other railroads at certain points. The powers on the lower Chippewa are likewise available; 

but as yet, because of the small population, the railroads have not built generally into 

the upper part of the region. The rapid opening up of farms now in progress will soon 

bring a demand for better transportation.

The present bulletin discusses the watet- powers of the northern rivers, for the reason 

that these powers are the least known and Icast^devcloped.

SOILS. < 

The soils of northern Wisconsin may be grouped into seven readily recognized classes.

Sandy soils are found in regions known as flood plains, and owe their origin to the sorting 

action of flowing water as it issued from the melting ice. The two largest areas of this 

type are found in central Wisconsin east of Black River and in the northwestern part of 

the State. These soils are so coarse and open that nearly all the rain soaks into the ground, 

reappearing later at lower levels as springs.

Sandy loams cover a much broader area than the sandy soihj, being roughly coincident 

in distribution with the Potsdam sandstone, from which they have in large part been 

derived.

Prairie loam is a light, open soil, more closely allied to those described above than to 

the following ones. It is usually underlain by from 3 to 5 feet of coarse, open gravel. In 

northern Wisconsin the largest area of this type is found in St. Croix County.

Clayey loam is finer and contains more clay than the soils already described. Such a 

soil has a great capacity for holding water. "The area of northern Wisconsin covered 

by this type of soil is larger than that occupied by any other variety."

Loamy clay is still heavier and more clayey than the last, with smaller particles. There 

are three considerable areas of the soil in this region.

Red clay soil is the most peculiar, the finest grained, and heaviest in the State. It is 

practically impervious to water. Its areas border Lakes Superior and Michigan.

a Kept. Chief. Eng. r. S. Army, 1S80. 

& Including 27,40ti acres in Minnesota. 

c Condensed from F. H. King's description in Northern Wisconsin Handbook.
14 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Swamp soil includes all swamp and marsh land soils. While few very large single areas 

are covered by these soils, the aggregate amount is probably not less than 1,000,000 to 

1,500,000 acres. Some of these lands are now covered by a growth of white cedar, others 

with tamarack and spruce, the latter being usually found on the borders of both tamarack 

and cedar swamps, while still others are simply sedge marshes, some of which are yearly 

cut for hay. In many other swamp areas fires have killed the trees, causing all the small 

anchoring roots to die and decay, so that the winds have oterturned nearly every tree.

Many of the northern swamps are underlain by vast beds of peat, while all have a thick 

covering of moss and humus. Both these factors play an important part in delaying the 

water in its journey to the streams.

FOREST CONmTIOXS.

"Northern Wisconsin in its primeval state was a vast forest of magnificent timber." 

This could be said to-day of large areas. The central portion of this region includes mixed 

forest in which, though the pine has nearly all been cut, there still remain over 5,000 feet 

of hard wood and hemlock per acre, besides other timber equally valuable. The total 

area covered by forests of this grade amounts to 8,000 square miles, about the same as that 

of the State of Massachusetts.

Mr. E. T. Sweet a enumerates 34 different kinds of trees which he found on the Lake 

Superior slope alone. Additional species found on the southern slope would increase this 

number considerably.

The lumberman's labors were first directed to getting out the pine, both because of its 

high value and because of the fact that he could float it downstream to market. This 

industry, including the manufacture into lumber, had an invented capital in 1900 of $100,- 

168,000 and turned out a product valued at $81,983,000. b This easily places it as the 

most important industry of the State. Only two other States exceeded this in 1900. In 

the same year, according to the United States Census report, Wisconsin was the leading 

State of the Union in lumber and timber products, their total value being $58,000,000. 

The amount of pine timber is limited and already its production is waning. Its place is 

being taken, to a large extent, by hard-wood timber, by cedar posts and poles, and by hemlock lumber and bark. The changes wrought annually by the lumberman's ax and the 

succeeding forest fires are very considerable. The recent appointment of a State forestry 

commission promises much for the protection and fostering care of these great interests.

The once popular belief that this northern area was worthless after the loss of its timber 

has given way in the past ten years to a general confidence in its agricultural possibilities. 

This is amply evidenced by the rapidity with which these lands are being opened up by 

farmers and by their rapid appreciation in market value. In 1895 only 7 per cent of the 

18,000,000 acres of the northern half of Wisconsin was cultivated. This region has furnished 85,000,000,000 feet B. M. of pine lumber alone in the past sixty years. The gradual clearing of the timber Ifas doubtless had an effect on the run-off of the rivers. Under 

the changing conditions the rainfall will be less absorbed by the soil and will get to the 

streams in a shorter period. This is especially true of the swamps, where the fires have 

burned the thick humus and moss which formerly delayed the passage of the water to the 

lakes and rivers. It is only fair, however, to call attention to the fact that large areas of 

the original timber consumed by forest fires have been replaced by a second growth of 

both hard and soft timber, much of it in the form of dense thickets, which shade and protect the ground more effectually even than the original forest.

Geol. Wisconsin, vol. 3, 1880, p. 328. t> TJ. S. Census, 1900, pt. 1, p. 293.
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 15

C'L,IMATI< COA'DITIOXS.

TEMPERATURE.

The climate of this region is characterized by a large amount of sunshine, with high 

temperatures in summer and extreme cold, dec]) snows, and clear skies in winter. The 

summer heat and winter cold are generally tempered by the influence of the bordering 

lakes. Lakes Superior and Michigan cover an area of over 54,000 square miles and never 

freeze over in winter. Although the prevailing wind is from some westerly quarter, this 

is so frequently broken up by the passing of storm centers from the lakes that both the 

temperature and the humidity of the air are affected by these great bodies of water. Wisconsin rivers are generally frozen over between December 1 and March 30. The following 

table gives the highest and lowest temperatures for each month of the year for the 

twelve years ending 1883 at places in or adjacent to this region:

Locality. Jan.

Duluth:

Marquette :

Escanaba:

Alpena :

St. Paul: 

Maximum .. ^ ........... 49

La Crossc :

i 1 

Fel<. Mar. Apr. M»y.

57 02 75 91 

-34 -20 3 20

09 TO S1 02 

-27 | -14 3 22

-32 -20 2 20

.V (if, 72 91 

-27 -14 2 22

59 , US 82 94 

32 22 7 '?4

05 72 S3 90 

-34 23 10 29

June.

92 

30

95 

31

&s 

34

97 

33. 5

94 

39

OS 

40

July.

99 

40

100 

40.3

02 

42

07 

4.j

100

40

101 

52

Aug. Sept Oct.

93 

45

% 

30.7

SO 

38

92 

40

9S 

43

90 

44

90 

30

97

S4 

20

92 

29.3

94 

30

92 

31

78 

8

87

IS

75

17

83

22

87 

15

84 

18

Nov. Dec.

65 

-29

60 

- 9

01 

9

03 

- 4

72

-24

70 

-21

51 

-34

59 

-20

48 

-23

56

-15

56 

-30

00 

-37

a King, F. II., Northern Wisconsin Handbook. 1SOO.

In connection with the sudden lowering of the winter temperature, a most interesting 

phenomenon was observed on St. Croix River bv United States engineers in the early 

winter of 1882 ;a

PRECIPITATION.

The average rainfall for twenty-five years over the entire State is close to 32.3 inches, 

distributed bv seasons as follows: Winter, 4.7 niches; spring, 7.6 inches; summer, 11.7 

inches: autumn, 8.3 inches. If the rainfall of the northern half alone be considered, these 

figures would probably need to be slightly increased. It is worthy of note that 60 per

oRept. Chief Eng. T. S. Army, 18S3, p. 1470.
16 WATEE POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

cent of the rainfall comes in the summer and autumn months, while the least fall is during 

the winter months. Deremher, January, and February are the months of minimum runoff, both because of smaller precipitation and because of low temperatures and resulting 

deep frosts.

In general, it may be said that the precipitation in Wisconsin exceeds that of Minnesota 

and Michigan and about equals that of Iowa.

FIG. 1. Rainfall map of Wisconsin.

Because of its bearing on the run-off of the various river systems, whose discharge measurements for 1903 and 1904 are herein given, the precipitation map shown in fig. 1 has 

been prepared. It will be noted that the heaviest rainfall occurred in the northern part 

of the State, averaging about 40 inches.
PEECIPITATION.

The following table shows some details of the distribution of rainfall by months: 

Average precipitation at Jive stations in Wisconsin for twenty years.®

17

Detail.

PERCENTAGES.

Classification of days: 

On which rain fell 

0.25' to 0.50'..................

0.50' to 1.00'..................

1.00' to 2.00'. .................

2.00' to 3.00'......... .........

3.00' to 5.00'..................

Overs'.......................

NUMBER OF DAYS.

Greatest consecutive 

With rain....................

INCHES OF RAIN.

lH*

03 OJ 

^

100

41.2

56.5

27.0

58.7

31.4

5.0

3.4

9

.1

.2

26

7.23

a

03 

Hi

4.9

43.0

77.4

18.7

57.9

41.1

3.3

1.4

9

.....

19

0

?..f>

42 

<O

PH

4.3

41 9

79 2

11.3

3.4

.....

g

1 Q 1.8

lH*

03

S

6.1

40.4

CQ A

1Q 1

GO 2

4.1

2.8

.1

0 1 2.1

tl

a

 <

7.2

40.6

CQ 0

3.0

.3

13

?,. 9

(A

03

s

10.5

43.7

67.5

20 7

5.3

4.4

1 Q

.4

. 1

13

9

3. 1

a 

£

70 0

7.5

5.7

3

0

.7

13

2.9

3'-s.

12.1

411

66 2

17.4

EC Q

27.6

4 9

2.0

.7

1 0

8

4.5

60

<

11.0

60.6

9^; 7

4.6

1 9

.1

15

3.9

"ft 

o

OQ

41.7

70.0

1 c O

57.6

9g 4

6.3

4. fi

2.6

.2

i *?

R

5.6

1

7 9

36 1

£A O

19 o

63 9

4.8

3.6

1.6

19

R

7.23

>

o 

£

OO 0

71.0

14 9

r»n 7

00 1

3 9

7

1.8

8 

p

4 9

A 1) C

7Q A

10 3

Eft C

07 7

3.7

1.7

.4

13

1 5

a Moore, W. L., Rainfall of the United States: Bull. D, U. S. Depi. Agriculture.

The amount of precipitation is fairly constant for the winter and a portion of the fall and 

spring months, but varies considerably in the summer months.

Exceptionally dry periods occur about once in fifty years, when the average for three consecutive 

years is 22 inches and the least for one year is 13.5 to 20.5 inches. Dry periods occur once in twentyfive years, when the average for three consecutive years is 24.2 inches and the least for one year is 20.3 

inches. Moderately dry periods occur once in ten years. The exceptionally dry periods are preceded 

by an exceptionally wet period, when the annual precipitation has been as high as 50 inches. This is 

followed hy a period of moderately heavy rainfall, with a maximum of 45 inches. The last exceptionally dry period occurred in 1894 to 1896.o

The year 1903 had a moderately heavy rainfall. If the above cycle can be depended on, 

the next period of maximum rainfall may be expected about the year 1908.

Fig. 2 shows the progressive averages of the precipitation at Milwaukee for the past seventy years, computed by the formula 6

a+4b+Gc+4d+e.=c, 

16

where c represents the rainfall of the year in question and b and a stand for the rainfall 

in the two years preceding, while d and e represent the rainfall of the following two years.

« Kirchoffer, W. G., master's thesis.

b After Blandford. See Bull. D, U. S. Weather Bureau.

IRR 156 06-
18 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

This curve makes clearer the nature of the rainfall cycle.

In the following table are shown the long-term precipitation records of four typical

i , -V ' "V 

<5 O, Q <Ji Q

l\> r\j r\i r\j r\j r\, r,. Cw Cw U» Co Co Cu Cij Cu c

 ^0,Oi\|CO<oQ>^Cu-ll C,CTiMQ) ! 

NMMMN^J MMMMMN NM M £

1

1

--4*"~

j

\

/

)

-<

/

-*~

/

p*> *>

fj

\

^

^

s

-{-,

tV/

V

1

s

s

X

** 

\

-)

>

^J^

^) ix

^

.1

N

t|

(u

y

^1

\

X

/

^ ^_

/

"~,

-^

~~

^ "

\

 

-~»

/

)

f

s

 ^

/

T

^

f

'

^

_

^

H

^

/S.35

. 37

. IBID4-1

4£

4-3

44

. 46

46

47

 43

49

. /830

- Cf/

- £2

- £3

_ 34

. 35

 56

- 37

- 58

. 59

./860

61

- 62

63

6?

- 65

- 66

. ' 67

. 66

. 69

- /870

. 7t

73

74

. 75

76

77

/&

- 75

./88Q

. 8/

8^

83

_ 84

. 85

. 86

_ 87

. 88

89

. IQ90

91

- 9^

. 93

94

95

96

97

- 98

99

_ /9OO

O'

_ 02

_ 03

- P*

KIG. 2. Chart showing rainfall at Milwaukee, 1837-1904.

stations in this general region. The rainfall at Milwaukee appears to be considerably 

less than the average of the State.
PRECIPITATION. 19

Precipitation at Milwaukee and Embarrass, Wis., and Duhith and St. Paul, Minn.

Year.

1845..............

1846..............

1847..............

1848. .............

1849..............

1853..............

1854..............

1855..-.--........

1856..............

1857..............

1858..............

1859-.............

1860..............

1863..............

1864. .............

1866........ ......

1868..............

1869. .............

1870..............

1871..............

1872..............

1873..............

Milwaukee.

20.5

25.3

22. 4

33. 5

31. 1

30.4

29.3

30.0

31.7

36. 0

29.0

30.9

44.9

28.9

24.0

31 9

38.3

31.8

27.8

30.1

29.4

37.8

26.6

32.0

26.2

30.6

30.8

Embarrass.

28.9

36.3

38.8

on o

41.9

28.5

35.0

01 n

Duhith.

27.7

22.8

17.8

20.9

30.6

25.7

31.2

30.1

38.8

St. 

Paul.

°9 1

34.2

14.9

38.1

27.9

33.6

30.7

32.2

32.1

30 7

34.6

Year.

1879. ........ ...

1H81

1883.............

1884.............

1885.............

1886.............

1887.............

1888

1889.............

1890.............

1893.............

1898..... ........

1900.............

1901 .............

1902.............

1903.............

Milwaukee.

OC f\

50 4

04 q

30.0

OO A

09 5

32. (i

31.5

30.5

23.5

9,1 7

30.1

32.9

27.8

24.9

29.0

31.0

V> 4

22. 8

30.1

18.1

28.6

23.4

29.9

Embarrass.

43 9

48 9

34 4

57.4

42.2

62.1

45.4

43.6

43.9

33.8

44.0

41 °

44 9

23.1

16.7

32.4

25.3

28.1

27.8

Duluth.

32 3

34 3

28.1

45.3

OQ r>

37.6

00 A

9Q 0

20.0

oo n

24.1

23.3

31.7

22.3

27.1

30.9

19.7

30.5

23.1

26.7

26.1

28.0

24.5

St. 

Paul.

OQ £

OS 7

OO C

°9 8

26.1

25.3

25.9

17.1

23.5

26.0

25.8

24.3

34.7

30.5

25.3

27.5

34.2

25.8

31.8

37.9

34.1

FOX RIVER SYSTEM.

DRAINAGE.

Lake Winnchago, the largest inland lake in Wisconsin, divides Fox River into two radically different sections, the .upper and the lower Fox. The upper river approaches from 

the southeast to within about a mile of Wisconsin River at Portage, then turns to the northeast on its course to Lake Winnebago. It winds, with low banks, through broad savannas 

having only a gentle slope, passing a total distance of 25 miles through three long lakes 

before reaching Lake Winnebago.

Mud Lake, Buffalo Lake, and Lake Puekaway have been caused by the deposits of affluents which 

the main stream has not been able to wash away, plainly indicating that the present upper Fox did not 

erode its course, for it has not even the power to keep itself free, hut instead is filling up. Lake Butte 

des Morts and Lake Winnebago are depressions which the present tendency is to fill up.a

Major Warren's hypotheses for these peculiar conditions have been widely accepted, and 

are so interesting that they are here given:

We have only to suppose that all the waters of Lake Winnebago basin (including that of the upper 

Fox) formerly drained to Wisconsin River; that a slow change of level in this region elevated the southwestern part and depressed the northeastern part till a large lake was formed, which finally overflowed, 

forming the course of the lower Fox. This explains the present doubling back in the course, of the

a "Warren, G. K., Rept. on Wisconsin and Fox rivers, 1876.
20 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

upper Fox and tributaries, and it accounts for tho close relation and yet opposite courses of Fox and 

Wisconsin rivers. As the level changed the erosion at the outlet could not keep pace with it and so 

prevent a lake forming, because a granite ridge lies near the surface between the Wisconsin and Buffalo 

Lake. When the lower Fox outlet formed the loose material covering the rocks rapidly gave way and 

lowered the lake level down to the rock, which now (1875) keeps it to its present level. The period of 

this change was post-Glacial, because this alluvial terrace is free from Glacial drift, which it could not 

have been if formed before in a region like this, surrounded by Glacial drift deposit.

UPPER FOX.

Fox River descends only 40.4 feet in the 95.5 miles between Portage and Lake Winnebago an average fall of less than 0.5 foot to the mile.

The following table shows the river profile in detail as given by United States engineers:

Profile of Fox River from Lake Winnebago (Oshkosh) to Portage lock (Fort Winnebago).

Station.

Distance 

From 

Lake Winnebago.

Miles. 

0 

24.6 

32.9 

33.9 

43.3 

64.0 

67.3 

91.4 

95.5

Between 

points.

Miles.

24.6 

8.3 

10.0 

9.4 

20.7 

3.3 

24.1 

4.1

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

Feet. 

746 1

748.8 

750.6 

755.7 

760.2 

763.9 

768.9 

774.7 

781.6

Descent between 

points.

Total.

Feet.

2.7 

1.8 

5.1 

9.4 

3.7 

5.0 

5.8 

6.9

Per mile

Feet. 

0.42

Fox River has been improved for navigation by the Federal Government along this entire 

distance by the building of 10 locks, but the slight fall gives few opportunities for water 

power.

The first dam on the Fox is at Pardeeville, where a head of 14 feet is available. Wisconsin 

River is about 10 feet above Fox River at Portage, and this fall could be utilized by a dam 

near the Fort Winnebago lock. A considerable quantity of water could be discharged 

through the canal with safety.

At Montello, 28 miles below, a turbine is installed under a head of 3 feet, developing 

power for a gristmill. No developed power is in use on the river below this point.

The three principal tributaries of the upper Fox have a fall of about 250 feet much 

greater than that of the main river; they are all found on the north side. These branches, 

Montello, Mecan, and White rivers, start as clear, steady springs, running from the sand 

ridges of the drift covering that portion of the basin. They are each about 20 miles long, 

and would be unimportant except for the fact that their fall, combined with their steadiness 

of flow, makes them of considerable value.

Montello River joins the upper Fox at Montello. A dam at this point has a head of 11 

feet, furnishing power for a flouring mill and a woolen mill. This head could be easily 

increased to 16 feet.
FOX EIVEK Sl'STEM. 21

The following table shows the principal developed powers on the tributaries of the 

upper Fox.

Developed water poirerx on tributaries of upper FOJC River.

Location and stream. Owner and use. Head. H. P.

Do..............................

Pine River, Pine Creek. ...............

Princeton, ditch from Mecan River. . .

Westfield, Montello River. . ...........

H. E. MeNutt, Hour and feed. ...............

Skinner & Johnson , flour and feed ...........

Teske & £ierka, flour, feed, and electric light. .

B. W. Heald, flour and feed. .................

10

11

12

30

11

9

14

14 

9

19 

12

10

8

10

33

70

45

30

30

190

00 

70

180 

120

54

36

85

 LOWER FOX. 

GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY.

East of Wolf River Valley is the more prominent though similar valley of Green Bay and 

Lake Winnebago. In pre-Glacial time it must have been much smaller in size, having been 

excavated to its present great size by the glacier. Lake Winnebago alone covers about 200 

square miles, while the area of the connecting valley below (lower Fox River) is 400 square 

miles.

The western slope of both valleys is gradual, but the eastern slope is precipitous, being cut 

out of the soft Cincinnati shales overlain by the hard "Niagara" limestone. The bed is 

the hard "Galena" limestone of the "Trenton" series. The eastern side of the lower Fox 

River drainage basin rises abruptly 100 to 200 feet above the water in Green Bay, and 

continues as a line of cliffs along the eastern shore of the present Lake W'innebago, and 

thence southward, though largely covered with drift in the southern part of the State. The 

glacial action sent down an immense ice sheet, cutting out the valley of Lake Michigan, 

while a branch tongue gouged out Green Bay Valley to its present size. On the peninsula 

between Green Bay and Lake Michigan was formed the prominent Kettle Range, a medial 

moraine.

The floor of Green Bay Valley has a rapid rise, Lake Winnebago being 166 feet above 

Green Bay. The portion of the old valley now occupied by the upper Fox was largely 

filled with drift, and it seems probable that to the action of the glacier in cutting down 

the intervening "Lower Magnesian" rampart and in partially filling the upper valley of Fox 

River is due the change in the flow of upper Fox and Wolf rivers through the newly 

enlarged Green Bay Valley to the lake. It is also likely that the change in flow is partly 

due to a depression toward the north, which occurred during or after the recession of the 

glacier, as suggested by Major Warren. This depression caused an advance of Lake Michigan, which rearranged the drift and deposited the red clays. By means of the latter this 

ancient shore of the lake can now be traced northward beyond Shawano, on Wolf River, 

westward up Fox River above Berlin, and southward to a few miles north of Fond du Lac. 

Lake Winnebago is a comparatively modern reservoir, formed in the valley by the deposition of glacial drift.
22 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

PROFILE.

The table below gives in detail the profile of the river to-day, after the extensive navigation improvements by the United States Government:

Profile of Fox River from Lake Winnebago (Menasha) to Green Bay."

Station.

Littlechute locks: 

Crest.. ......... . ....... ....... . ...........

Foot...............................................

Grand Kaukauna locks: 

Crest ...............................................

Rapide Croche lock: 

Crest ..............................................

Foot ...............................................

Little Kaukauna lock: 

Crest...............................................

Foot ...............................................

Depere lock:

Foot ...............................................

Distance.

From

Menasha.

Miles. 

0.0

5. 1 

6.3 

9.0

10.6 

11.6

13.3 

14.2

17.9 

17.9

23.9 

23.9

29.8 

29.8 

35.2

Between 

points.

Miles.

5.1 

1.2 

3.3

1.0 

1.0

1.7 

.9

3.7

6.0 

2

5.9 

.0 

5.4

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

Feet.

746.1

736.5 

(>99. 7 

699.7

690.0 

653. 8

653.8 

603.3

603.3 

593.9

593.9

587.7

587.7 

580.0 

580.0

Descent between points.

Ppr TotaL ' mile.

Feet.

9.6 

36.8 

.0

9.7 

36.2

.0 

50.5

.0

9.4

.0 

6. 2

.0 

.0

Feet.

1.9 

30.6 

.0

9.7 

36.2

.0 

56.1

.0 

37.6

.0 

31.0

.0

a From United States engineer's profile of the river.

These improvements have changed the river into long stretches of slack water, with perhaps short rapids at the foot of a dam, except at Grand Kaukauna and Grand Chute, the 

site of the city of Appleton, where the rapids are passed by canals, while the river flows over 

its original steep bed.

RAINFALL AXD RUN-OFF.

The United States engineers have maintained a gaging station at Rapide Croche dam ever 

since March, 1896. The assistant engineer in charge, L. M. Mann, states that the crest of 

the dam at this point is well suited for a weir. Care is taken to read the gage three times 

daily, the mean reading being used to calculate the dairy discharge.

According to these records the mean low-water discharge for the past eight years was 

1,409 second-feet and the average discharge 3,007 second-feet; 2,660 second-feet may be 

regarded as the ordinary flow of the river. Because of the steadying effect of Lake Winnebago and the lakes above, formed by the expansion of upper Fox and Wolf rivers, the discharge of the river is remarkably uniform. At Appleton the ordinary variation from low 

to high water is scarcely more than 2 or 3 feet throughout the year.

The following table gives the maximum, the minimum, and the average flow for each 

month for nearly nine years, ending December, 1904, as measured at Rapide Croche dam, 

and also the rainfall and run-off for the same period:
FOX RIVER SYSTEM.

Estimated monthly discharge of lower Fox River at Rapide Croch.e dam. 

[Drainage area, 6,200 square miles.]

Month.

1895.

February..... ... ...

March...... . ......

April............ .......

June .......... .....

July..... .... ......

1896.

April..........................

May ............... . .......

July...........................

December ..... . .....

1897.

June. ................ . ......

July...........................

1898.

July.:.........................

October. ......... ............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,972 

5,201 

5,790

12,706 

6,386 

15, 416 

11,982 

5,173 

5,072

4,185

1,739 

1,765 

4, 246 

4, 605 

3,863 

2,607 

390 

1,888 

2,882 

3,558

Minimum.

2 262 

2,545 

2, 062

3, 076 

4,233 

G, 028 

3, 451 

3,047 

2 242

2,071

697 

406 

1, 563

i i "^i 2, 1(3

8SO 

123 

9 

145 

985 

838

3, 795 

3,522 

5,344 

8,728 

5,344 

4,749 

4,071 

3,230 

1,588 

2, 608 

2, 664

8,728

3,158 

3,196

5,692 

6,852 

4, 969 

2,553 

2,805 

1,795 

2,368

1,512 

1,297 

1, 160 

3,290 

2. 519 

2,032 

1,297 

116 

272 

299 

861 

806

116

1,425 

1,494 

1,782 

2, 568 

2,204 

1,604 

438 

860 

442 

383

Mean.

3,931 

4,320 

3,947

8,510 

5, 610 

12,760 

7,612 

4,424 

3 988

3,417

1,284 

- 940 

3,140 

3, 720 

2,787 

1,470 

146 

1,065 

2,007 

2,367

Run-ofl.

Secondfeet per 

square 

mile.

0.634 

.697 

.637 

1..37 

.905 

2.06 

1.23 

.714 

.043 

.551

.207 

.152 

.506 

.601 

.450 

.237 

.024 

.172 

.324 

.382

Depth in 

inches.

0.731 

.726 

.734 

1.53 

1.04 

2.30 

1.42 

.823 

.717 

.635

.239 

.170 

.583 

. 070 

.519 

.273 

.027 

.198 

.302 

.440

2,762 

2, 765 

2,711 

6, 132 

4, OIC. 

3, 246 

3, 200 

1,881 

833 

1,424 

1,862 

2,314

2,762

2, 559 

2,359 

2,968 

4,079 

4,743 

3,216 

1,571 

1,817 

1,088 

1,201

. 445 

.440 

.437 

. 989 

.648 

.524 

. 510 

.303 

.134 

.230 

. 300 

.373

.445

.413 

.380 

.479 

.658 

.765 

.519 

.253 

.293 

.175 

.194

.513 

.464 

.504 

1.10 

.747 

.585 

.595 

.340 

.150 

.265 

.335 

.430

6.04

. 476 

. 397 

. 552 

.734 

.882 

,579 

.292 

.338 

.195 

.224

Rainfall.

Inches.

Per cent 

of rainfall.

1.14 

4.39 

5.23 

2.75 

3.09 

3.09 

3.23 

2.55 

3.06 

1.04

21.0 

3.87 

11.1 

24.4 

16.8 

8.83 

.84 

7.76 

11.8 

42.3

1.37 

1. 17 

2. 19 

2.00 

1.74 

5.06 

3.51 

2.00 

2.53 

2.15 

1.50 

.%

26. 08

.71 

1.21 

2.18 

2.02 

2.75 

3.84 

3.09 

3.00 

2.36 

3.15

37.5 

39.6 

23 1 

55.0 

42.9 

11.6 

16.9 

17.4 

5.9 

12.3 

22.3 

50.0

23.2

67.1

25.3 

36.4 

32.1 

15. 1 

9,45 

11.3 

8.25 

7.10
24 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Estimated monthly discharge of lower Fox River at Rapide Croche dam Continued.

Month.

1898.

1899.

April..........................

July...........................

October .... ... .... ....

1900.

Mav ........... . ...

July...........................

1901.

July...........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,725 

2,805

6,852

2,417 

2,810 

3,435 

5,707 

8,767 

8,571 

5,171 

3,505 

1,437 

2,079 

2,648 

2,572

8,767

2,684 

3,024 

3,677 

4,355 

4,054 

2,208 

2,413 

2,646 

3,518 

8,036 

9,597 

8,222

9,597

4,349 

4,634 

6,431 

12, 033 

6,905 

5,087 

4,557 

3,846 

1,687 

3,873 

3,873 

3,672

Minimum.

1,234 

994

383

771 

1,014 

995 

1,447 

3,787 

4,018 

1,741 

791 

707 

'398 

613 

105

105

841 

1,044 

1,110 

1,107 

1,383 

258 

131 

1,057 

1,107 

1,734 

4,948 

1,668

131

1,939 

1,825 

1,742 

2,469 

3,453 

1,741 

2,045 

1,130 

675 

9,910 

1,640 

1,464

12,033 j 675

Mean.

2,213 

2,175

2,499

1,905 

2,075 

2,252 

3,657 

6,209 

6,298 

3,786 

1,836 

988 

1,144 

2,119 

2,042

2,859

2,174 

2,247 

2,556 

3,414 

2,976 

873 

958 

1,831 

2,021 

5,230 

8,062 

4,353

3,058

3,526 

3,773 

3,839 

8,960 

4,994 

3,723 

3,501 

2,176 

1,221 

2,551 

3,256 

2,768

Run-off.

Secondfeet per 

square 

mile.

0.357 

.351

.403

.307 

.335 

.363 

.590 

1.00 

1.02 

.611 

.296 

.159 

.185 

.342 

.329

.461

.351 

.362 

.412 

.551 

.480 

.141 

.154 

.295 

.326 

.844 

1.30 

.702

Depth in 

inches.

0.398 

.405

5.47

.354 

.349 

.418 

.658 

1.15 

1.14 

.704 

.341 

.177 

.213 

.382 

.379

6.26

.405 

.377 

.475 

.615 

.553 

.157 

.'178 

.340 

.364 

.973 

1.45 

.809

.493 j 6.70

.569 

.609 

.619 

1.45 

.805 

.600 

.565 

.351 

.197 

.411 

.525 

.446

3, 691 ' . 596

.656 

.634 

.714 

1.62 

.928 

.669 

.651 

.405 

.220 

.474 

.586 

.514

8.07

Rainfall.

Inches.

1.49 

.35

26.15

1.12 

.90 

2.31 

3.00 

3.08 

5.40 

3.29 

2.73 

2.68 

3.02 

.74 

1.47

29.74

.74 

1.56 

1.09 

2.82 

1.61 

2.68 

6.45 

4.30 

6.17 

7.08 

1.57 

.69

36.76

.90 

.46 

3.04 

.79 

2.72 

4.62 

6.41 

2.38 

3.96 

2.93 

1.25 

.81

30.27

Per cent 

of rainfall.

26.7 

116.0

20.9

31.6 

38.8 

18.2 

21.9 

37.3 

21.2 

21.4 

12.5 

6.60 

7.05 

51.6 

25.4

21.1

54.7 

24.2 

43.6 

21. 8 

34.5 

5.86 

2.76 

7.91 

5.90 

13.7 

92.4 

117.0

18.2

72.9 

138.0 

23.5 

205.0 

34.1 

14.5 

10.2 

17.2 

5.56 

16.2 

46.9 

63.5

26.7
FOX RIVER SYSTEM. 25

Estimated monthly discharge of lower Fox Hirer at Rapide CrocTte dam Continued.

Discharge in second-feet.

Month- Maximum.

1902.

February ......................' 3, 480

March... ....... ... .... 4,019

May........................... 12,317

June........................... 11,808

July........................... 5,703

August ........................ 4, 086

September. .. ............... 1,865

October.. ........ ...........' 3,024

November. .................... 3, 184

December. .................... 3, 100

The year................ 12,317

1903.

March......................... - 8,437

April.......................... 9,297

May...... .. ..... ...... ... 7.378

June....................... ... 6,791

July ........................... 5, 571

August ........................ 4, 449

October . ...................... 5, 826

November... ...... ...... ... 5,077

December ..................... 3, 702

The year.. . ........... 9,297

1904. 

January. ...................... 3, 869

April.......................... 9,637

May........................... 11,682

June ........................... 9, 793

July........................... 4,111

August ........................ 4, 043

September. .................... 2, 631

October. ...................... 6, 434

The year................ 11,682

Minimum.

765 

696 

1,135 

947 

1,471 

3.491 

1,047 

1,311 

515 

435 

756 

892

435

1,206 

1,675 

1,780 

3,886 

3,043 

2,656 

1,856 

1,438 

1,829 

2,590 

1,733 

1,319

1,206

1,185 

1,565 

1,724 

1,612 

4,456 

2, 336 

1,416 

1,551 

988 

1,324 

1,667 

1,812

988

Mean.

2,263 

2.142 

2,892 

2, 335 

4, 935 

6, 930 

4.304 

2,896 

1.266 

1,818 

2,394 

2,274

Run-off.

Secondfeet per 

square, 

mile.

0.365 

.345 

.466 

.377 

.796 

1.12 

.694 

.467 

.204 

.293 

.386 

.367

3,037 .490

2,760 

2,949 

3,827 

6,500 

5,532 

5,061 

4,124 

3, 446 

4,321 

4,686 

3,686 

2.885

.445 

.476 

.617 

1.05 

.892 

.816 

.665 

.556 

.697 

.756 

.595 

.465

4, 148 . 669

3.074 

3, 128 

3,398 

6,669 

8,707 

6,682 

3,105 

2,985 

1,854 

3,457 

4,056 

3.618

4, 228

.496 

. 505 

.548 

1.08 

1.40 

1.08 

.501 

.481 

.299 

.558 

.654 

.584

Depth in 

inches.

0.421 

.359 

.537 

.421 

.918 

1.25 

.800 

.538 

.228 

.338 

.431 

.423

6.66

.513 

.496 

.711 

1.17 

1.03 

.910 

.767 

.641 

.778 

.872 

.664 

.536

9.09

.571 

.545 

.632 

1.20 

1.61 

1.20 

.578 

. 554 

.334 

.643 

.7,30 

.673

. 682 9. 270

Rainfall.

Inches.

0.69 

1.53 

1.50 

2.42 

4.02 

3.89 

5.47 

1.40 

2.81 

1.94 

2.90 

1.93

Per cent 

of rainfall.

61.1 

23.5 

35.8 

17.4 

22.8 

32.1 

14.6 

38.4 

8.11 

17.4 

14.9 

21.9

30. 50 21. 8

.47 

.80 

3.12 

3.14 

5.87 

2.14 

5.47 

6.23 

5.91

1.14 

.71

109.5 

62.0 

22.8 

37.3 

17.5 

42.5 

14.0 

10.3 

13.2 

31.7 

58.3 

75.5

37. 75 24. 1

.38 

1.45 

1.80 

1.86 

5.93 

3.99 

3.98 

3.01 

5.75 

4.73 

.30 

2.13

150.0 

37.6 

35.1 

64.5 

27.1 

30.1 

14.5 

18.4 

5.81 

13.6 

243.5 

31.6

35. 31 26. 2

1 l
26 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Mean daily discharge, in second-fed, of lower Fox Hirer at Rapide Ctoclie dam.

D.iy.

1895. 

1.. ...........

3.............

4.. ...........

6.............

8.............

9... ..---- ...

10.............

11............. 

12.............

13.............

14.............

15.............

16.............

17.............

18.............

19.............

20.............

21.............

22.............

23.............

24.............

25.............

26.............

27.. ...........

28.............

29.............

30.............

31.............

Total . . .

1896. 

1..... .

2........ . .

3.............

4..... .......

5............. ....... .......

Jan.

3,012 

2,262 

3,350 

3,781 

4,447 

4,269

Fell.

4,672 

4,328 

4, 76C 

5,164 

3,705 

2 089

4,285 4,785 

3 024 4.973

2,967 5.063

4,244 

4,422 

4,594 

4,559 

4,102 

3,112 

2,497 

3,916 

4,244 

4,602 .,__..

5.009 

5,173 

4,001 

2,892 

4,830 

5,201 

4,785 

4,723 

4,637 

3 309

4,654 2,545 

4.6191 4,839 

3,027 4,910 

2,963 4,847 

4,742 4.777

4,829 

4,576 

4,972 

4,653 

3,413 

3,137

4,576

121,850

4,356 

3,055 

2,575 

4,186

Mar.

4, 697 

4,438 

4,285 

4,260 

2,84<' 

2,611

3,982 

3,998

4, 0°1 . ...

Apr.

4,798 

3,185 

3.076 

5,064 

,595 

. 99,8

,S04 

7,052 

8. SOS

4,419 9,422 

4,214 11,43.-) 

2,704 12,354 

2,264| 12,706 

2,062 12,1X7 

3,892 12,033 

3,085 11,063 

3,876 11,110 

4,313 11,637 

2,529 12,277 

2,098 11,879 

4,228 10,336 

4,490 10,039 

5,796 9,406 

5,757 9.032

5,026 

4,508 

,5, 546 

4,353 

4,268

4,395

4,185

9,208 

7,661 

5,862 

0.164 

6,144

3,362

120,975122.346255,292

0..... ....... ...............

I

8............. .... .. .......

9 ...

10............. .......

11............. .......

12... .................

13

14............. ....... .......

15 ...... '

16............. .......

17............. .......

18........

19.............

20.............

888 

697 

1,380 

1,226 

1,395 

1,338 

1,430 

1,113 

919 

1,271 

1,479 

1,407 

1,407 

1,271 

981 

S37 

1,437 

1,248 

1,486 

1,360

1,272 

1,027 

922 

760 

1,048 

780 

701 

922 

859 

904 

859 

400 

644 

859 

922 

985 

1,048 

985 

644 

60S

May.

4.373 

5,8.-,2 

5 , 88( 

5.9K 

5,949 

0,135 

4,493 

4,233 

5,541-

6.3SO 

I..155 

6,037 

0.066 

4,642 

4,399 

6,179 

0,105 

6,274 

5,891 

0,115 

4,803 

4,380 

5,804 

0,047

5,880 

5.880 

5,841 

4,500 

5,129

0,597 

6,312

.Tune. July.

0,028 11,982 

7,339 10,639 

0,935 10,433 

7,225 10,585 

8,277 10,064 

15,416j 10,639 

14,244 9,415 

14,178 9,206 

15 132 7.865

14.286 

14,122 

14,060 

14,559 

14,585 

14,219 

14,365 

14,588 

13,981 

14,277 

14,279 

14,191 

13,419 

13,674 

13,513

12,524 

11.892 

14,021 

12,265 

1°,509

12,251

7,410 

8,803 

9,124 

9,00i: 

8,709 

8,521 

7,105 

6,699 

8,800 

7,873 

6,597 

0,577 

5,804 

4,583 

3, 451

5,797 

0,179 

5,498 

5,545 

5,192

3,562 

3,480

Aug. Sept. Oct.

4,884 4,098 2,071 

4,963 5,072 2,132 

4, ','04 3,387 3,540

4,936 3,048 3,584 

5,173 3,788 3.366 

3,411 4,102 3,554 

3,385 4,487 3,932 

4,382 4,395 3,057 

4 847 4 430 2.504

4,898 

4,242 

4,847 

3,577 

3,383 

4,849 

4,937 

4,937 

5,027 

4,7.85 

3,047 

3,520 

4,794 

4,892 

5,036 ,.._

3,969 

3,100 

4,372 

4,144 

4,327 

4,447 

4,243 

2,850 

2,826 

4,230 

4,405 

4,447 

4,294 

4,337 

2.974

5,019 2,242 

4,804 4,030 

3,593 4,421 

3,518 4,102 

4,145 4,285

4,080 4,127 

4,26, .......

173,925382,954235,989137,150

2,400 

2,088 

1,503 

1,6.39 

3,493 

3,160 

3,312 

2,993 

3,230 

2,032 

1,575 

3,361 

3, 427 

3,476 

3,558 

3,390 

2,080 

2,460 

3,591 

3,897

2,789 

4,240 

4,246 

4,141 

4.282 

3,907 

3,897 

3, 135 

4,401 

4,282 

4,605 

4,389 

4,100 

3,290 

2,913 

4,037 

3,790 

3,897 

3,897 

3,897

3,094 

3,728 

3,701 

2,032 

880 

1,820 

3.592 

3,394 

3,863 

3, 728 

3,701 

2,201 

1,952 

3,592 

3,525 

3,525 

3,694 

3,290 

1,872 

1,072

912 

1,048 

1,512 

2,314 

2,401 

2,578 

2,007 

2,490 

1,250 

1,392 

1,818 

1,818 

1,765 

1,723 

2,000 

985 

1,352 

2,000 

2 032 

2,001

119,057

259 

298 

179 

78 

30 

30 

179 

328 

390 

122 

192 

130 

48 

48 

205 

145 

192 

134 

75 

195

3,899 

3,971 

4,022 

3,884 

3,704 

2,774

3,95.5 

4,052 

4,086 

3,939 

3,950 

2,088 

2,173 

3,917

4,021 

4,009 

4,081 

4,100

2,263 

4,185

105,942

145 

608 

838 

008 

683 

1,440 

880 

1,070 

880 

1,093 

60S 

779 

1,093 

904 

922 

1,093 

1,138 

608 

722 

1,362

Nov. Dec.

..............

985 2,821 

1,048 3 135 

1,512 3,230 

1,537 3,558 

1,872 3,135 

1,872 1,952 

1,792 2,372 

1,563 2,821 

1,093 2,789 

2,20J 2 913 

2,229 2,913 

2,038 2,729 

2,729 1,647 

2,729 1,072 

1,115 2,519 

1,100 2,400 

2,400 2,607 

2,729 2,578 

2,608 2,578 

2,729 1,563
FOX RIVER SYSTEM. 27 

Mean daily discharge, in xecond-feet, t-f lower Fo.r Kirtr at Rapide C'roche dam Continued.

Day. Jit

18*'.

04

25....... ...... ....

26............. ....

27

28............. ....

29............. ....

30............. ....

31 ............. ....

Total... ....

1897. 

1.. ........... 2,

3............. 1,

9. ...... .. 2

10............. 2, 

11............. 2,

13....... ..... 3.

18............. 1,

19...---..-.... 3, 

20............. 3, 

21............. 3,

22............. 3, 

23.......-.....' 3,

24............. 2,

25............. 1, 

2(i.. ........... 2

07

2.S.. ........... 3,

29.. ........... 3,

30............. 3,

31............. 1,

Total ... 85,

1898. 

1............. 3,

2 2

3.....---..... 1,

4 ">

5............. 3,

6. ............ 3,

n. Fell. Mar.

...'....... 1,414

... ....... 1,024

... ....... 1,401

.......... 1,224

.......... 1,179

... ....... 1,605

... ....... 1,337

... ....... 1,522

.......... 1,707

... ....... 39,818

20ll 1,503 1,472

173 3,040 3,203

512 3,301 3,203 

088 3,103 3,135 

789 3,072 3,395 

104 3,263 2,608 

394 1 1,440 1,183 

008 1,563 1,393 

759 3,00s' 2,431 

307 3,361 2,490 

280 3,040 2,461 

072 3,198 2,578 

198 3,198 2,461 

072 2,189 1,512 

040 1,297 1,160 

788 3,103 2.490 

044 3,072 2,314 

S72 3,230 2,619 

230 3,198 3,400 

795 3,301 5,344 

459 1,639 2,821 

198 1,723 2,461 

394 3,135 3,694 

759 3,522 3,020 

899 3,378 3,328 

945 3,458 3,394 

945 3,135 3,135

103 1,765 1,512

103....... 3,394

818....... 3,694

Apr. May. 

943 3,897

943 3 XQT

901

985

1,273

550 

780 

1,027 

1,765 

1,705

28,213

3.728

4,037 

4,966 

3,290 

4,037 

5,624 

6,329 

G,,i29 

6,533 

6,533 

5,231 

4 789 

6,614 

6,410 

6,533 

0,329 

0,779 

7,072 

5,419 

7,114 

7,5S2 

7,326 

8,728 

8,549 

0,940 

6,329 

7,539 

6,329 

5,459 

5,459

4,071 

2,729

3,932 

4,246 

4,071 

4,161 

4,071

0 r^(j

June.

2.431 

2,461 

3,967 

4,211 

3,932

4,141

3,897 

2,608 

2,173 

3,693

July. Aug.

2,913 2,000 

2,007 1,899 

2,314 2,454 

2,607 838 

2,007 327 

1,503 123 

1,503 259 

2,913 375 

2,069 406 

2,490 453 

2 .578 312

Sept.

17

145 

134 

36 

112 

122

9 

374 

134

Oct.

1 . 647 

1,440 

1,563 

1,613 

543 

556 

1,440

1,845 

1,888 

1 K72

Nov.

2,882 

1,639 

1,440 

2,008 

2,789 

2,821 

2,669 

1,818 

l,20f 

1 , 672

1

97,330111,793 86,400 45,582 4,388 33,013 60,204

5,344

4,071 

4,002 

4,886 

5,079 

4,713 

4,605 

4,354 

3,198 

2,759 

4,354 

4,497 

4,461 

4,141 

4,425 

3,329 

2,913 

4,100 

4,282 

4,42.5 

4,318 

4,461 

3,072 

2,759 

4,141 

4,246 

4,246 

4,071 

4,071 

2,638 

2 51 Q

)10 77, 415 84,053 183, 948 124, 480

063 2,793 2,670 

099 2,762 2,698 

425 2,931 2,753 

535 3,196 2,908 

300 3,062 2,752 

039 2,038 1,699

4,056 3,776 

4,170 3,799 

2,840 5,508 

2,508 5,010 

3,890 0,608 

4,072 6,852

3,203 

3,6.59 

3,727 

3,727 

3,761 

2,201 

2,402 

3,361 

3,230 

3,329 

3,459 

3,059 

2 229 

2,229 

3,394 

4,749 

4,037 

3,727 

3,727 

2,286 

2,314 

3,52.5 

3,52,5 

3,592 

3,203 

3,528 

2,343 

2,032 

3,932 

3,727

97,397

4,909 

4,522 

4,579 

4,397 

3,578 

2,388

3,761 

3,863 

4,037 

2,490 

1,297 

2,173 

4,002 

4,071 

3,932 

3,932 

2,402 

2,402 

3,459 

3,558 

3,694 

3,897 

3,094 

2,229 

2,006 

3,394 

3,558 

3,761 

3,694 

3,525 

1,926 

2,117 

3,008 

3,198 

3,394 

3,394 

3,329

99, 197

2,553 

2,496 

1,771 

438 

1,808 

1,865

2,314 

1 , 765 

3,103 

3,103 

3,230 

3,072 

3,040 

1,926 

1,410 

2,700 

2,008 

2,490 

2,490 

2,608 

1,440 

1,345 

3,431 

2,638 

2,431 

1 , 765 

1,093 

1,048 

1,3.52 

1,273 

1,273 

901 

1,160 

343 

374 

116 

403

468 

621 

343 

328 

328 

390

539 

702 

556 

064 

390 

390 

819 

1 , 410 

1,588 

1,440 

1,205 

701 

702 

943 

1,205 

1,393 

1,309 

1,100 

644 

8.38 

1,138 

1,1X3 

1,183

58,311 24,978

876 

1,546 

1,649 

1,070 

1,585 

1,667

1,652 

1,795 

1,639 

1,317 

726 

1,454

1,160 

1,070 

702 

556 

1,138 

1,115 

1,160 

1,183 

985 

741 

556 

1,345 

1,512 

1,512 

1,897 

1,952 

1,048 

722 

1,897 

2,061 

1,897 

1,897 

299 

1,115 

1 , 239 

2,117 

2,490 

2,373 

2,608 

2,286

44,145

602 

554 

517 

857 

595 

771

1,160 

1,983 

2,209 

2,615 

2,642 

2,664 

1,973 

1,390 

1,861 

1,964 

1,912 

1,964 

2,183 

1,481 

1,092 

1,833 

1,912 

1,964 

2,432 

2,412 

1,387 

861 

2,045 

1,207 

2,470 

2,107 

2,148 

1,281 

1,097 

1,002

55, 857

2,609 

2,351 

2,237 

2,134 

2,187 

1,457

Dec.

1,013 

2,519 

2,400 

2, 431 

838 

1,160 

838 

1,792 

2,913 

2,607 

2,229

73,392

1,820 

1,832 

2,128 

2,226 

1,638 

1,190 

2,401 

2,474 

2,497 

2,748 

2,568 

1,905 

1,102 

2,512 

3,409 

3,439 

3,770 

1,880 

2,213 

1,559 

2,424 

2 , 005 

2,642

1,878 

806 

1,057 

2,900 

2,808 

2,923 

2,969

71,721

2,805 

2,766 

2,714 

1,789 

1,047 

2,479
28 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN" WISCONSIN.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of lower Fox River at Rapide Croche dam Continued.

Day. Jan.

1898.

8.............

g

10.............

11.............

13.............

14............. 

15.............

17. ............

18.............

19.............

20.............

21.............

99

25.............

97

28.............

29.............

30.............

31.............

Total . . . 

1899.

2.............

3.............

4.............

5.............

8.............

g

10.............

11.............

12.............

13.............

15.............

16.............

17.............

18.............

19

20.............

21.............

22.............

23.............

24.............

25.............

26.............

2,946 

2,977 

1,873 

1,396 

2,953 

2,969 

2,901 

2,946 

3,079 

1,864 

1,569 

2,908 

2,799 

3,078 

2,859 

2,915 

1,925 

1,741 

2,962 

2,985 

3,077 

3,158 

2,964

Feb.

1,766 

2,504 

2,665 

2,583 

2,701 

2,679 

1,723 

1,578 

2,331 

2,549 

2,490 

2,468 

2,497 

1,528 

1,587 

2,403 

2,409 

2,505 

2,403 

2,505 

1,494 

1,914

1,851 -----

1,461

79,317 66,064

1,533 

1,488 

2,366 

2,417 

2,187 

2,393 

2,173 

1,466 

1,465 

2,316 

2,329 

2,316 

2,106 

2,406 

1,514 

1,604 

2,254 

2,379 

2,352 

2,347 

2,330 

'l,409 

1,506 

1,729 

1,562 

1,690

2,111 

2,174 

2,275 

2,261 

1,453 

"2,458 

2,175 

1,303 

2,681 

2,572 

2,810 

2,047 

1,711 

2,588 

2,646 

2,534 

2,619 

2,453 

1,243 

1,291 

1,902 

2,117 

2,152 

1,995 

2,104 

1,395

Mar.

1,782 

3,064 

3,669 

3,761 

3,394 

3,192 

1,868 

1,902 

3,224 

3,288 

3,111 

3,135 

3,435 

1,938 

2,235 

3,280 

3,200 

3,122 

o,643 

3,361 

2,565 

3,035 

3,872 

3,728 

3,736

92,026

1,931 

2,113 

2,134 

2,113 

1,352 

1,279 

1,976 

1,932 

2,027 

2,062 

2,034 

2,355 

1,336 

1,913 

2,289 

2,692 

2,612 

2,553 

1,55S 

995 

2,731 

3,001 

2,756 

2,832 

2,829 

1,910

Apr. May.

4,159 

4,115 

4,150 

2,925 

2,837 

4,291 

4,273 

4,054 

4,189 

4,301 

2,924 

3,025 

4,372 

4,650 

4,776 

5,692 

4,894 

3,176 

3,462 

4,656 

5,089 

5,136 

4,767 

4,839

122,360

3,279 

1,837 

1,447 

3,756 

4,249 

4,641 

4,839 

4,425 

2,823 

2,249 

3,741 

3,821 

3,812 

3,976 

3,721 

2, 199 

2,004 

3,461 

3,946 

3,778 

3,955 

4,154 

2,798 

2,813 

4,336 

4,524

6,098 

4,921 

4,333 

5,889 

5,904 

5,683 

5,487 

5,432 

4,018 

3,457 

4,551 

5,088 

4,758 

4,647 

4,739 

3,577 

3,157 

4,338 

4,594 

4,471 

4,739 

4,612 

3,857 

2,204 

4,872

147,045

3,787 

5,020 

5,121 

5,417 

5,395 

5,500 

4,446 

4,145 

5,924 

6,192 

6,618 

7,601 

8,050 

7,301 

7,763 

8,562 

8,767 

7,838 

8,421 

8,431 

7,046 

6,272 

5,263 

5,333 

5,451 

5,263

June.

4,018 

4,408 

4,276 

4,175 

4,364 

3,215 

2,524 

3,690 

3,703 

3,723 

3,167 

3,690 

2,343 

2,076 

2,453 

2,623 

2,603 

2,624 

2,488 

1,623 

1,604 

1,863 

2,230 

2,567

96,483

5,209 

5,238 

5,432 

4,733 

4,018 

5,518 

5,633 

5,565 

5,062 

5,369 

4,406 

4,334 

5,878 

7,091 

7,080 

7,681 

7,408 

6,702 

6,853 

8,123 

8,095 

8,571 

8,515 

8,277 

7,338 

6,594

July.

1,769 

1,639 

1,466 

1,090 

1,042 

1,535 

1,757 

1,798 

1,842 

1,792 

1,074 

1,245 

1,699 

1,639 

1,616 

1,664 

1,685 

1,088 

989 

1,557 

1,641 

1,618 

1,687 

1,661 

1,117 , .

Aug.

973 

1,074 

1,653 

1,685 

1,695 

1,660 

1,835 

1,213 

1,226 

1,765 

2,273 

2,460 

2,805 

2,752 

2,024 

866 

2,571 

2,579 

2,482 

2,468 

2,572 

1,942 

1,195 

1,848 

1.717

48,707 56,320

5,042 

4,031 

3,133 

3,678 

3,361 

4,923 

5,171 

4,726 

3,942 

3,019 

4,592 

4,715 

4,882 

4,852 

4,974 

3,773 

3,021 

4,516 

4,511 

4,186 

3,881 

3,701 

2,459 

1,741 

3,193 

3,336

3,345 

3,505 

3,121 

2,396 

2,418 

1,745 

956 

2,043 

2,585 

2, 394 

2,343 

2 357 

1,547 

1,250 

1,852 

1,812 

1,829 

1,946 

1,973 

1,026 

1,163 

1,578 

1,609 

1,772 

1,317 

1,339

Sept.

1,532 

1,629 

1,735 

1,714 

1,133 

750 

1,288 

1,115 

1,186 

1,080 

1,177 

778 

442 

760 

818 

959 

906 

933 

676 

491 

681 

693 

877 

693

32,629

1,292 

1,437 

842 

1,003 

1,411 

1,121 

991 

953 

996 

792 

578 

945 

825 

891 

889 

831 

831 

1,001 

1,166 

996 

1,039 

991 

855 

707 

719 

922

Oct.

801 

1,024 

383 

638 

1,056 

1,092 

1,246 

1,155 

1,156 

745 

755 

1,300 

1,178 

1,304 

1,892 

1,865 

1,136 

760 

2,043 

1,815 

1,845 

2,064 

2,233 

1,489 

2,368

37,239

831 

764 

1,560 

1,037 

996 

1,193 

1,100 

928 

774 

964 

922 

1,056 

1,144 

982 

779 

398 

969 

1,039 

1,179 

1,304 

1,327 

885 

685 

1,480 

1,551 

1,404

Nov.

1,234 

2,617 

2,475 

2,485 

2,497 

2,542 

1,543 

1,451 

2,438 

2,453 

2,552 

2,563 

2,482 

1,747 

1,281 

2,704 

2,549 

2,499 

2. 725 

2,572 

1,486 

1,402 

2,606 

2,519

66,397

2,104 

2,648 

2,542 

2,446 

1,742 

1,261 

2,579 

2,622 

2,523 

2,635 

2,619 

1,890 

1,143 

2,187 

2,381 

2,351 

2,352 

2,261 

1,774 

613 

2,301 

2,205 

2,237 

2,209 

2,352 

1,873

Dec.

2,609 

2,699 

2,572 

1,379 

2,153 

1,539 

2,345 

2,637 

2,791 

2,715 

2,215 

1,343 

1,462 

2,453 

2,409 

2,398 

2,241 

2,303 

994 

1,017 

1,544 

2,412 

2,446 

2,315 

2,244

67,435

2,205 

2,455 

1,667 

952 

2,549 

2,411 

2,475 

2,572 

2,530 

1,775 

1,020 

2,366 

2,498 

2,352 

2,395 

2,339 

1,780 

1,259 

2,576 

2,381 

2,388 

2,417 

2,497 

1,752 

105 

958
FOX EIVEK SYSTEM. 29

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, nflower Fox Eiver at Eapide Croche dam Continued.

Day.

1899. 

'7

28.............

29

Jan.

1,981

771

1 . 506

Feb.

1,014 

2,007

30 ......... . . . ' 1 . 346

31 ............. 

Total . . .

1900. 

1.............

2.............

3.............

5.............

6.............

7.............

8.............

9.............

10............. 

11............. 

12.............

13.............

14.............

15.............

18.............

19.............

20.............

21.............

22.............

23............. 

24.............

26.............

27.............

29

1,803 .......

59,044

841 

2,352 

2,391 

2,406 

2,479 

2,568 

1,576 

1,213 

2,406 

2,669 

2,684 

2,646 

2,677 

1,736 

1,236 

2,527 

2,424 

2,639 

2,534 

2,657 

1,719 

1,043 

2,632 

2,549 

2,461 

2,579 

2,420 

1,508 

1.910

30 ..... 2 1 Kfi

31............. 

Total . . .

1901. 

1.............

2.............

3.............

4.............

6.............

8.............

9.............

12.............

2,439

67,396

3,822 

4,000 

4,215 

4,202

4,253 

3,016 

2,043 

3,939 

4,279 

4,349 

4,159 

4,009

Mar.

1,243 

3,192 

3,297 

3,325 

3,435

58,091 69,802

2,395 

2,366 

2,446 

1,641 

1,044 

2,36fi 

2,381 

3,024 

2,420 

2,398 

1,675 

1,071 

2,316 

2,654 

2,707 

2,729 

2,662 

1,895 

1,314 

2,861 

2,840 

2,606 

2,687 

2,646 

1,434 

1,296 

2,411 

2,624

2,432 

2,468 

2,490 

1,707 

1,110 

1,342 

2,576 

2,639 

2,614 

2,636 

1,921 

1.352 

2,666 

2,973 

3,036 

2,961 

2,935 

2,069 

1,354 

2,710 

2,832 

2,904 

2,954 

3,296 

2,259 

1,300 

3, 159 

3, 044 

3,677 

3,560 

3,(>52

62,909 79,228

3,475 4,362

3,734 i 4,262 

2,059i 2,741 

1,825 2.109

3,723 

4,096 

4,352 

4,515 

4,541 

2,796 

2,045 

4,164

4,073 

4,481 

4,2(i2 

4,262 

4,210 

2,908 

1,793 

2,206

Apr.

4,565 

5,707 

4,913 

3,947

109,716

2,454 

1,107 

3,554 

3,846 

3,967 

4,063 

3,791 

2,903 

1,751 

3,510 

3,770 

4,067 

4,006 

4,OSO 

2,560 

2,237 

3,942 

4,355 

4,089 

4,137 

4,072 

2,932 

1,977 

3,856 

4,089 

4,100 

4,063 

4,225 

2,862 

2,064

102,435

2,469 

4,664 

5,086 

5,209

5,385 

6,081 

6,777 

7,075 

10,675 

10,986 

11,579 

12,033

May.

5,525 

5,898 

5,160 

.5,460 

5,513

192,489

3,036 

3,882 

4,028 

4,010 

4,054 

2,779 

1,674 

2,461 

2 283 

2,275 

2,240 

2 285 

1,784 

1,753 

3,741 

3,989 

3,799 

3,885 

3,791 

2,065 

2, 105 

3,729 

3,937 

3,872 

3,889 

3,694 

2,539 

1,383 

2,103 

2,149 

1,859

June.

6,029 

5,797 

5,007

July.

3,364 

3,395 

3,232 

2,051 

1,982

188,928117,383

1,482 

1,574 

1,375 

1,102 

1,929 

2,208 

2,085 

1,467 

1,302 

989 

1.013 

1,217 

1,189 

756 

3.53 

497 

394 

437 

573 

523 

569 

58.5 

264 

262 

396 

258 

360 

298 

386 

341

92,273 26,184

6,328 

6,905 

5,990 

6,032

4,769 

3,799 

5,707 

5,536 

5,498 

5,574 

5,428 

4,183

4,803 

3,802 

3,473 

4,913

5', 087 

4,905 

4,647 

4,846 

2,834 

2,654 

3,873 

3,916

276 

511 

319 

131 

820 

&52 

345 

294 

36.5 

473 

3.33 

333 

.394 

382 

5.38 

979 

1,176 

1,067 

907 

1,192 

1,152 

799 

1,170 

1,846 

2,047 

1,982 

1,979 

1,905 

1,536 

1,672 

2,413

29,708

2,045 

3,496 

3,740 

2,618 

3,194 

4,097 

2,945 

2,722 

4,185 

4,557 

4,080 

4,154

Aug. Sept.

944 

791 

1,307 

1,351 

1,299

1,138 

1,099 

1,200 

1,166

.56, 913 29,6.'.3

2,646 

2,106 

1,946 

1,966 

1,638 

1,287 

1,956 

1,912 

2,075 

1,973 

2,043 

1,498 

1,057 

1,825 

1,905 

1,889 

2,039 

2,002 

1,434 

1,120 

2,120 

2,007 

1,875 

1,966 

1,924 

1,440 

1,115 

1,912 

1,928 

2 127 

2,023

50,754

3,834 

3,846 

3,787 

2,648 

1,713 

2,553 

2,605 

2,321 

2,406 

2,336 

1,503 

1.607

1,970 

1,640 

1,421 

1 , 902 

2,141 

1,894 

2,050 

2,113 

1,333 

1,143 

1,973 

2,071 

2,187 

2,07.5 

2,184 

1,16.3 

1,167 

1,949 

1,899 

2,062 

2,020 

2,169 

1,433 

1,107 

2,329 

2,891 

2,810 

3,391 

3,518 

2,561

Oct. Nov.

1,829 905 

2,029 2,329 

1,493 2,159 

769 2,330 

'2,079 .......

35,450

1,734 

4,007 

5,185 

5,479 

4,846 

4,758 

3,657 

2,848 

4,827 

5, 165 

5,117 

4,813 

4,668 

3,559 

3,028 

4,461 

4,885 

5,285 

5,254 

5,703 

4,599 

4,225 

6,510 

6,270 

7,427 

7,572 

7,624 

6,393 

6,336 

7,855 

8,030

63,573

9,53.5 

9,397 

9,597 

8,225 

7,650 

8,989 

9,039 

8,418 

8,658 

9,260 

7,830 

7,567 

8,775 

8,456 

8,076 

6,611 

6,909 

5,654 

4,948 

7,536 

7,875 

8,249 

8,189 

8,792 

7,100 

6,917 

8,415 

8,632 

8,328 

8,239

60,632162,126241,866

1,197 

1,161 

1 , 636 

1,682 

1,687 

1,682 

1,649 

1,105 

893 

1,449 

984 

1,199

1,161 

1,782 

1,863 

1,748 

1,713 

1,228 

991 

2,067 

2,145 

2,265 

2,468 

2,314

3,664 

3,804 

2,674 

1,789 

3,699 

3,728 

3,711 

3,728 

3,584 

2,585 

1,654 

3,447

Dec.

2,123

2,185 

2,417 

2,241 

1,6.59

63,299

6,608 

4,372 

3,512 

5,674 

5,943 

5,807 

5,683 

5,439 

8 222 

3,586 

5,245 

5,052 

5,075 

5,301 

4,099 

2,725 

2,240 

4,118 

4,292 

4,314 

4,378 

4,457 

4,035 

1,668 

3,224 

2,621 

4,068 

4,147 

4,111 

3,191 

1,728

134,935

2,586 

1,685 

2,653 

3,520 

3,497 

3,459 

3,648 

2,329 

1,598 

3,257 

3,585 

3,669
30 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Mean daily diNcharye, in second-feet, oflcncer Fox River at Eapide C'roche c'am Continued.

Day. Dec.

4,309

4,470

4,392

4,500

31............. 3,043

Total.. . 109,314'105,640 119,019 268,802 154,807 111,1181,108,541

6............. 1,676

15............. 2,344

16..---....-..., 2,461

17.............' 2.514

18....-...---.. 2.505

20-....-.--...- 1,099

21............. 2,422

22..........-- 2,113

23............. 2,450

24.............I 2,422

2,429

31............. 2,373

Total... 70,151 59,981 ,660' 70,042152,978207,913133,414 89,782 37,971 56,300 71,805 70,479
FOX RIVER SYSTEM. 31

Mean daihj r/ixcfiaroe, in second-feet, of lower Fo.r River at Rapide Croche dam Continued.

Day. .Ijin. F(J 1>.

1W3. 

1.. ... ....... 2,587

2............. 2, (131

J 1 ')Q(j

7............. 2,818

X.... ......... 2,707

10 9 409

11....... ...... 1,559

12............. 1,522

13. ............ 2,954

15............. 3.010

17............. 3,493

IS............. 1 295

19.............' 1,953

21............. 5,470

23............. 3,430

25 1 ">n3

20............. 1.935

27. ............ 3,289

29... .......... 3,527.......

1,675 

2,102

3,008 

3,053 

3,097 

3.394 

3,387 

i.825 

1,837 

3,390 

3,581 

3,593 

3,052 

3.501 

2,005

2,042 

3.368 

3,209 

3,285 

3,431 

3,408 

2,379 

1,749 

3,232 

3,107 

3,068 

3,457 

3.027

30............. 3,514....... 

31............. 3,750 .......

Mar.

1,829 

1,780

3, 191 

3,197 

3,453 

3,318 

3,005 

2,301 

2,070 

3,560 

3,981 

4,199 

4,064 

3,962 

2,550

2,207 

4,178 

4.650 

8,437 

6,454 

3.S87 

1,81.1 

2,340 

5,080 

5 , 055 

4,838 

4,839 

4.967 

3 97Q

3,337

Apr.

0,192 

0,597

6,806 

7,049 

9,297 

7,729 

7,601 

0,379 

6.342 

6,78,3 

8,283 

7,807 

7,402 

8,394 

8,517

6,236 

0,210 

6,339 

4,188 

4.518 

6,429 

6,240 

6,657 

5,784 

4,796 

3,880 

4,370 

6,207 

6,011 

5.288

May.

6,009 

0,300 

0,145 

4,275 

6.118 

5,989 

6,237 

0,078 

5,911 

3,629 

3,904 

5.698 

5,407 

5,771 

5,407 

.1,841 

3,421 

3,809 

6,088 

6.127 

0,127 

5,933 

6,157 

3,043 

3,824 

6,216 

7,378 

6.421 

0,138 

6,657

Juno.

5,077 

6,791 

6,009 

5,429 

5,380 

5,989 

3,747 

4,089 

5,812 

5,969 

5,564 

6,009 

5.735 

3,501 

3,818 

5,031 

5,008 

5,710 

5.354 

5,232 

3,320 

3,645 

5,429 

5 , 476 

5,411 

5,335 

5,204 

2,656 

3,089 

5.084

Total... 8.5,577 82,582118,043195,015171,503151,841

1904.

2............. 3, .595

4... .......... 2,221

5............. .3, ISO

7. ............ 3.809

8............. 3,861 

9 3 7~>°

10............. 1,702 

11............. 2.027

12............. 3,719

14............. .3,405

10............. 3,587

17............. 1,481

IS...... ...... 2,018

19... .......... 3.100

2,371 

3,580 

3,545 

3,538 

3,300 

3,505 

1 . 004 

2,073 

3,530 

3,595 

3,036 

3,710 

3, 003 

1,505 

1,904 

3,504 

3,400 

3,002 

3.028

3,408 

3.457 

3,545 

3,522 

3.505 

1,724 

1 , 769 

3,392 

3,147 

3,545 

3,668 

3,405 

1,818 

1,988 

3,289 

3,644 

3,424 

3,481 

3,1,30

4,127 

3,878 

1,012 

4.091 

4,317 

4.507 

4,410 

4,879 

5,334 

2,564 

3,887 

5,737 

6, 108 

7,108 

7,495 

8,015 

7,647 

8,233 

9.637

0,742 

7,310 

5,794 

5,477 

5,804 

5,784 

5.813 

4,4.50 

5,417 

7,548 

10,052 

10,900 

11,OS2 

11,183 

9,810 

10,108 

11,022 

10,900 

10.004

9,539 

9,411 

9,283 

9,793 

8,253 

8,404 

8,799 

8,248 

6,908 

8,179 

8,483 

8,139 

8,027 

8,527 

8,125 

8,315 

8,281 

7,350 

5.999

July.

5,571 

5,419 

5,278 

3,509 

2.055 

2,721 

3,943 

3,740 

4,093 

3,796 

4,009 

1,856 

3,370 

4.992 

4,684 

5,157 

5,149 

5,139 

2,700 

3 174 

5,047 

4.945 

5,102 

5.176 

4,918 

2,538 

2,189 

4,442 

4,555 

4,254 

4,321

127,848

3,428 

3,282 

2,68'2 

2,243 

2,799 

3,578 

1,416 

3,578 

3,483 

2.603 

2,769 

3,459 

3,452 

3,658 

3,475 

3,428 

2,460

O Q'iO

3. 459

Aug.

4,393 

2,827 

3,011 

3,845 

4,136 

3,750 

3,707 

3,7.87 

2,206 

2,875 

3,071 

4,021 

4,1.34 

4,030 

4,134 

1,438 

2,003 

4,064 

4,099 

4,047 

4,021 

1,874 

3,869 

1,965 

3,794 

4,291 

4,449 

4,244 

4,099 

1,781

Sept.

4,195 

4,281 

4,298 

4,325 

4,324 

1,829 

1,930 

3,9i)5 

4,708 

4,809 

5,077 

5,086 

2,734 

2,7,31 

5,199 

5.312 

5,293 

5.387 

4,442 

3,751 

2,489 

5,100 

5,309 

5,481 

5,415 

5,519 

3,481 

2,991 

5,013 

5,059

Oct.

5,312 

5,293 

2,805 

2,618 

5,321 

4,993 

5,820 

5,595 

5,339 

5,339 

2,845 

2,577 

5,340 

5,509 

5,482 

5,510 

5,434 

2,700 

2,957 

5,599 

5,134 

5,308 

5,293 

5,283 

2,590 

2,060 

5,133 

5,302 

5,264 

5,217 

.I . ^>M

Nov.

2,664 

2,102 

4,674 

4,772 

4,769 

4,965 

4,929 

1,975 

2,09S 

4,230 

4,957 

,1,077 

4,731 

4,846 

2,226 

1,859 

4,219 

4,466 

4,888 

4,504 

4,282 

1,733 

2,307 

4,422 

4,484 

3,874 

3,310 

3,378 

1,977 

1,873

7

106,828 129,635

2,745 

3,489 

3,617 

3,636 

3,546 

3,076 

2,575 

2,833 

3.833 

3,754 

3.987 

3,924 

4,043 

2,698 

3,087 

3,226 

3,098 

3,217 

3.197

2,031 

2,399 

2,231 

1.327 

1,622 

1,949 

2,000 

2,013 

1,803 

2,096 

1,312 

1,545 

1,907 

2,103 

2, 102 

2.124 

2,091 

1,568 

1.301

145,268

2,124 

1,355 

1,324 

2,499 

3,385 

3,480 

3,678 

3.628 

2,412 

,3,563 

3,797 

3,354 

3,592 

3,609 

3,717 

2,345 

1,894 

3,453 

3.379

110,591

4,245 

4, 767 

4,785 

4,750 

4,829 

4,423 

2,611 

4.340 

4,742 

4,794 

4,847 

5,137 

3,280 

2,063 

4,525 

4,037 

4,570 

4,481 

4,4*59

Dee.;

2.819 

3,385 

1.915 

3.609 

3,028 

1,653 

1,973 

3,507 

3,621 

3,702 

3,595 

3,644 

1,623 

1,827 

2,964 

3,516 

3,094 

3,702 

3,677 

2,000 

1,916 

3,328 

3,424 

1,908 

3,353 

1,584 

1,319 

2,162 

3,134 

3,619 

3,587

89,448

3,869 

4,405 

4,354 

3,005 

2,527 

4,077 

4,379 

4,413 

4,209 

4,277 

2,881 

2,452 

3,009 

3,038 

3,699 

3,757 

3,721 

2,871 

2,299
32 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of lower Fox, River at Bapide Croche dam Continued.

Day.

1904. 

20.......-...--

91

22.............

93

24.............

25 .............

26.....-...--..

28.............

29.........---.

on

*>l

Total . . .

Jan.

3,352 

3,329 

3,408 

3,392 

1,185 

2,096 

3,668 

3,727 

3,869 

3,752 

3,848 

1,885

95,307

Feb.

3,710 

1,689 

2,237 

3,760 

3,962 

4,082 

4,134 

3,810 

1,843 

2,091

Mar.

1,739 

2,036 

3,913 

4,335 

5,185 

7,425 

5,429 

2,354 

2,504 

3,359 

3,748 

4,385

90,703105,333 1

Apr.

9,434 

9,399 

9,190 

9,018 

7,436 

7,126

O, OirfO

9,075 

9,028 

9,017

8,868

20,060

May.

10,168 

9,574 

8,571 

9,099 

9,845 

10,168 

10,812 

9,389 

9,527 

8,720 

8,471 

8,989

269,925

June.

5,776 

6,167 

5,241 

3,758 

3,617 

2,336 

2,336 

2,585 

3., 474 

3,538 

3,491

200,448

July.

3,344 

3,206 

3,420 

3,359 

2,345 

2,585 

2,909 

3,146 

3,498 

3,584 

4,111 

2,659

96,253

Aug.

3,240 

2,214 

1,722 

2,443 

2,531 

2,396 

1,551 

2,503 

2,595 

2,115 

2,389 

2,645

92,525

Sept.

1,762 

1,825 

988 

1,988 

1,888 

1,276 

1,381 

1,975 

1J925 

2,267 

2,052

.......

55,631

Oct.

4,488 

4,470 

4,248 

3,018 

2,915 

4,336 

4,694 

4,542 

4,575 

6,434 

3,690 

3,158

107, 156

Nov.

2,538 

2,286 

4,102 

4,421 

3,264 

3,379 

4,285 

2,748 

1,667 

3,127 

6,935

121,689

Dec.

3,711 

4,439 

4,354 

4,111 

4,077 

2,253 

1,812 

3,162 

3,700 

3,677 

4,594 

4,311

112,163

Unlike many other northern rivers the lower Fox is rarely troubled with ice gorges, 

because the ice on Lake Winnebago melts gradually. It is stated that trouble is sometimes 

experienced from anchor ice forming on the rapids in exceptionally cold weather, but this 

is largely prevented by the system of slack-water navigation.

The absence of great freshets prevents backwater and allows the construction of the 

mills out into the stream, as well as connecting sidetracks on short trestles only a few feet 

above the water, with perfect safety.

The bed of the river in nearly all cases is in hard limestone. Excellent quarries of fine 

building stone have been opened for use in both the Government and private improvements 

of the river.

WATER POWERS.

GENERAL STATEMENT.

No other river system in the State has so large a proportion of its total descent concentrated in its lower reaches as has the Fox. Between Lake Winnebago and Green Bay 

the river descends a total of 166 feet in a series of eight rapids. The total drainage area of 

the river is 6,449 square miles, of which area 6,046 square miles, or 94 per cent, are included 

above the outlet of Lake Winnebago. These two facts the large concentration of fall in 

the lower river and the location of 94 per cent of its drainage area above this concentration 

have the effect of producing extensive and valuable water powers.

Before any improvements had been made the river flowed between wooded clay bluffs from 10 to 70 

feet or more in height, in some pi aces rising abruptly from the river's edge on each side. Through this 

channel ran the clear, dashing river over its limestone bed from 300 to 1,000 feet wide. Great changes 

have since been made, a

a Tenth Census.
FOX RIVER SYSTEM. 33

The following table gives the location and amount of fall at each of these rapids before 

improvement, according to surveys of Major Suter in 1866:

Rapids on longer FOJC River in 1866 (before improvement). a

Depere.

Distance 

apart.

Feet.

8

Little Kaukauna................................................................... 8 6.0

Rapide Troche..................................................................... 8 6.0

Grand Kaukauna.................................................................. 50 4.5

Littlechute......................................................................... 38 2.5

Cedar rapids....................................................................... 10 .75

Grand Chute....................................................................... 38 4.0

Winnebago rapids................................................................. 10 4. 25

Green Bay to Lake Winnebago.

a Warron, (}. K., Report, 187<i, p. 29. 

LEGAL STATUS.

In 1846 Congress passed an act granting a large amount of land to the State of Wisconsin 

for the purpose of making a navigable route from Lake Michigan along Fox River to Wisconsin River. In 1853 the State, after expending $400,000 upon the improvements, passed 

the whole matter, including the land, into the hands of the Fox and Wisconsin Improvement 

Company. This company issued bonds, completed the improvement, and in 1856 the first 

steamer passed through from Mississippi River to Green Bay. On the advent of railroads 

soon after the route fell into disuse, and the company was unable to pay interest on its bonds. 

Suit was brought by the holders of these bonds, and the franchises, property, and land grants 

of the company were sold to a corporation organized in 1866 as the Green Bay and Mississippi 

Canal Company. In 1870 the United States appraised the value of the locks and canals at 

$145,000, took possession of them on the payment of this sum, and has since exercised 

control in the interests of navigation.

The Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company still exists and retains its land grants, 

water-power franchises, and other property. The company claims the right to all surplus 

water after the needs of navigation are supplied. This claim includes the right to tap the 

canals at any point and draw off the water, provided navigation is not interfered with, as 

well as the right to take all the surplus flow of the river at the head of each rapids and use 

it at that level. This claim has been confirmed by the United States Supreme Court. The 

company does not claim ownership of power which is develop?d at a level below the head of 

a rapids by persons owning the land and using water which has passed the tailraces of the 

company.

In some cases this company owns the power, while others own the land. These interests 

have in some instances been mutualized in a joint company: in others protracted lawsuits 

have resulted in preventing the development and use of the water power up to the present 

time. The water powers at Rapide Croche and Little Kaukauna dams have not been 

improved for this reason.

As the low-water flow of the river falls far short of being sufficient for the turbines now 

installed, frequent controversies and lawsuits concerning the ownership of the water have 

resulted. Finally a few years ago the Neenah and Menasha Water Power Company, 

composed of practically all the users of water for power purposes on the river, was formed 

to regulate the use of the surplus water not required for navigation. Under the rules of the 

Secretary of War water may not be drawn below the crest of the Menasha dam except by

IJRR 156 06 3
34 WATEB POWERS OF NOKTHERN WISCONSIN.

his special permit. Such permission is frequently given, however, to help out the great 

manufacturing interests concerned.

Fox River discharges from Lake Winnebago in two nearly parallel channels, distant 

about three-fourths of a mile from each other. These branches join in less than 2 miles in 

Lake Butte des Morts, an expansion of the river 3 miles long and extending at right angles to 

the general direction of the river.

Menasha and Neenah are located at the lower end of the two channels, Menasha on the 

north side of the northern channel and Neenah on the south side of the southern channel. 

These cities are about 1 mile apart and have a total population of about 12,000.

The river banks are here only 10 feet or less high. There is a dam in each channel, with 

an average head of 8 feet, the two maintaining the level of Lake Winnebago. These dams 

would develop 2,400 theoretical horsepower, a,

The riparian owners on the Neenah channel improved the water powers before the ship 

canal was begun, and thus obtained a prior right under a State charter. Most of the manufactories are located on the strip of land, averaging 125 feet wide, between the river and the 

race.

The Kimberly Clark Paper Company is the most extensive user of water power at 

Neenah, having installed 20 turbines under a head of 7j feet, rated at 1,560 horsepower. 

In addition, this firm has 550 steam horsepower, all used in the manufacture of sulphite and 

ground wood pulp. The Neenah Paper Company has installed 11 turbines under a head of 

7 feet, rated at 83S horsepower, and reports an additional 750 steam horsepower, all used in 

the manufacture of papy. The Winuebago Paper Mills have installed turbines under a 

9-foot head, rated at 854 horsepower, which is supplemented with 450 steam horsepower.

Other power users in Neenah are included in the following table:

Additional water pouvri* at Neeiiah.

Owner and use.

Neenah Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Co ...... 

Neenah and Menasha Gas and Eleetric Light Co.

Wuiff, Clausea & Co., flour... ..................

Turbines.

Head.

Feet.

8.0 

8.0

7. 5 

8.0 

8.0

H. P.

469 

39

199 

94 

123

Steam 

H. P.

125 

12

125 

10 

60

Remarks.

Use steam when water is cut 

off.

Burned.

The Government canal is located at Menasha. This canal has a total length of about 

4,320 feet, its single lock being located at the lower end, near Lake Butte des Morts. This 

dam develops 2,487 theoretical horsepower at ordinary flow. The Federal Government 

entered into an agreement with certain persons under which they constructed the navigation 

improvements and received in return the ownership of the resulting water powers. As a 

consequence the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company has no interest in these water 

powers.

A dam 475 feet long at the head of the canal develops a head of 8.2 feet, though some of 

the turbines work under heads of 6 to 8 feet. The strip of land between the canal and river 

is used for the location of numerous manufacturing plants, all the power, except that of the 

Howard Paper Mill, being taken from the canal.

a This estimate is based on an ordinary discharge of 2,fiBO second-feet, equal to a run-off of about 0.43 

second-feet per square mile.
FOX .KIYEE SYSTEM. 35

The largest water-power user at Menasha is the George A. Whiting Company, which 

owns the right to "first-class water." Its 6 turbines work under an average head of 8 feet 

and are rated at 503 horsepower. The company, which is engaged in the manufacture of 

paper, has also installed 265 steam horsepower.

Another large concern is the Menasha Wooden Ware Company, whose turbines work 

under an average head of 5 feet and are rated at 414 horsepower. This is supplemented by 

1,090 steam horsepower.

The other important water-power users'in Menasha are included in the following table:

Additional water powers at Meiiaxha. a

Owner and use.

Gilbert Paper Co. .................................

Turbines.

Head.

Feet. 

5

5

6 

6

(j 

4 

5

H.P.

243 

321 

156 

90 

124

124 

38 

35

Steam 

H. P.

800-1,000 

200 

250 

50 

225 

25

............

..........

Small engines.

Remarks.

Leased. 

When water is low.

a Authority, L. M. Mann, United States assistant engineer.

For the entire distance of 5 miles between Menasha and the Appleton upper dam the 

river affords slack-water navigation; indeed, it has been claimed that later improvements on the Appleton dam have caused the water at Menasha to back up a foot or more 

above its original level. As Appleton is approached the clay banks rise to a height of 50 or 

60 feet.

APPLETON.

Fall. Because of their intrinsic value, as well as on account of their early development, the Appleton powers are not excelled on the lower Fox. According to the Government profile the river has a total fall of 36.7 feet in a distance of 1.2 miles. This head is 

developed by three dams, which divide the river into upper, middle, and lower levels, 

with estimated theoretical horsepower a at ordinary flow of 4,238, 2,225, and 2,558, 

respectively.

At Appleton the river by a gradual bend changes its course from northeast to southeast, 

again turning to the northeast just above the lower dam. On the left bank the clay bluffs 

rise steeply 50 to 70 feet, while on the opposite bank is a flat extending for 3,500 feet, and 

perhaps 1,300 feet wide, beyond which rise high bluffs, as on the left bank. For the purposes 

of navigation the Government has constructed two dams, dividing the descent into two 

levels. The second or middle dam was constructed by private enterprise and is used 

exclusively for water power.

Upper dam. The upper dam is a substantial stone structure. It extends from the foot 

of State street on the left bank normal to the shore for 250 feet, thence diagonally downstream for 700 feet to a point 400 feet from the right bank. From this latter point a retaining wall or long pier extends downstream 800 feet to the right bank. The head varies from 

about 10 feet at the upper end of the dam to 18 feet at the lower end, the average, as given 

by the Government engineers, being 14 feet. Its available water power is taken from a race 

along the left bank, from the ship canal on the right bank, and from the adjacent retaining 

wall.

a Estimated by U. S. Asst. Engr. L. M. Mann, on flow of 170,000 minute-feet, at 4,508, 2,367, and 2,721.
WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

The extreme variation of head is stated at 2 feet, hut the ordinary variation is only 

half that amount. It is due to the manner of using water by the Neenah mills, and to the 

prevalence of strong winds blowing continuously on Lake Winnebago and changing its 

volume of discharge.

The race on the left bank is 600 feet long, several extensive paper, pulp, and flouring mills 

occupying the strip of land l)ctween it and the river. Here are located the Appletpn Paper 

and Pulp Company, with installed turbines under 11-foot head, rated at 550 horsepower; 

the Eimberly & Clark Company; the Vulcan and Tioga mills, with about 710 and 770 turbine horsepower, respectively; and the Atlas paper mill, with 76G turbine horsepower. The 

Appleton Waterworks Company, 1,400 feet below, receives power from this canal through a 

flume which affords a head of 18 feet. The above powers by long-established usage are 

. recognized as belonging to the respective companies, and not to the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company.

Of the power developed on the right bank, nearly all is taken from the long pier. The 

Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company owns the land on this side of the river and leases 

power to users.

The head here varies from 12 feet near the upper end of the pier to JO feet at the lower 

end. The water is taken through ten arched openings in the stone pier from the large bay 

above. This power is fully developed by the Wisconsin Traction, Heat, Light, and Power 

Company, with turbines under 16-foot head, rated at 2,250 porsepower (besides 2,000 steam 

horsepower).

Of the few unused power sites on thLj dam the greater numl)cr are located on the ship 

canal, and, as heretofore stated, are owned by the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal 

Company. The following table gives the developed powers:

);r(/\\' o/i (Ac f^n/

CMvnor and use.

Riverside Paper an 

Appleton Chair Cn. 

Union Toy and Fm

1 FU)er Cn. .................................

Wiitcr power.

AveregT' Rated 

head. -11. P.

14. 0 383 

7. 5 26 

8.0 30

Entitled 

to 

300

Steam 

H. P.

35 

30

7am. The middle dam also is independent of both the Government work and the 

Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company. It was built by private capital for water-power 

purposes only, ft is 2,400 feet below the upper dam and is about 4.50 feet long. The dam 

was constructed of timber in 1877 and has its foundation in limestone. A canal leads down 

the north (left) bank. The south end of the dam abuts on Grand Chute Island, Wesi/s 

hydraulic canal being supplied from the adjacent basin.

Previous to 1877 power had been developed by wing dams passing upstream from both 

banks for several hundred feet. The present dam is reported to have an average head of 7.3 

feet, developing at ordinary flow (2,G60 second-feet) 2,190 theoretical horsepower. The 

head at the various factories and mills varies from 7 to 14 feet, depending on their location, 

the variation being similar to that at the upper dam. The water level is remarkable for 

uniformity.

The north-shore race is 800 feet long, supplying a head varying from 9 feet at the upper 

end to 12 feet at the lower.

West's canal starts at the right abutment of the dam and extends down Grand Chute 

Island for about 1,700 feet, nearly parallel to the river. It has a width of about 130 

feet, with earth and stone embankment about 3 feet above the water surface. The head 

averages 10 feet. Several fine power sites still unoccupied on this canal are especially 

desirable because of excellent transportation facilities.
FOX RIVER SYSTEM.

The following table gives the important users of water power from the middle dam: 

Water jioircrn int. the ini<l/llf (lain, Apjildua.u

Owner and use.

Fox River Paper To.:''

Water power.

Average 

liejid.

Fret.

n.o

,,0

| s.5

} 14.0 

.'..0

r>.o

s.o 

s.o

7.0

Rated 

II. P.

2, 12fi

S14

4fi5 

903 

14 

47

77 

47

Entitled to 

1

3 flow of Fox 

River less 25 

II. P.

1,250 H. P ........

90 H. P...........

SO II P

75 H. P...........

40 H. P...........

Steam 

H. P.

\ 1,050

500

500

25 

.50

a Authority, L. M. Mann, IT. S. assistant engineer.

b Power used by Fox River Paper Co. (three mills) are loeated on West'seanal; the other powers are 

on the left bank.

Lower dam. Tho lower or Government dam is located about three-fourths of a mile 

below the middle darn and just below tho lower bend of the river, at a point where the river 

is 485 feet wide. Tho dam extends downstream from the left bank 417 feet, at an angle of 

about 45° with tho, channel, to an embankment which extends 600 feet farther downstream. 

The lower-level ship canal is back of this embankment. The river runs close to the left bank, 

which is high and steep, while on the right bank a flat 200 to 300 feet wide intervenes between 

the shore and the bluffs. There are four methods of utilizing the power viz, from the 

abutment of the dam, from the rac* on the left bank, from the ship canal, and from the 

Telulah Water Power Company's canal on the right shore. The average head of this dam 

is stated at 8.5 feet, which at ordinary flow gives 2,550 theoretical horsepower. The report 

of Capt. L. M. Mann, on whose authority the above statement is made, shows that about 850 

horsepower remain to be installed. There is said to be a fall of 3 feet in the 1,500 feet 

below the dam. This water power is owned by the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal 

Company.

The left or west-shore race starts at a point 450 feet above the dam and extends nearly 

parallel to the channel a distance of 1,200 feet below the dam. The bluffs rise steeply from 

the water, so that mills must extend out over the river. It is claimed that this race is entitled 

to one-fourth of the stream flow.

The right or pant, canal, known as the Hyde & Harriman canal, has several good locations 

for mills. The land adjacent was owned by Mr. W. Hyde and Judge J. E. Harriman, while 

the power belonged to the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company. These interests were 

united and the canal completed in 1880. It starts at the head of the ship canal and skirts 

the bluffs for its eniire length of 2,250 feet, leaving a wide strip of flat land between it and 

the river. An earth embankment forms the river side. The cross section of the canal at its 

upper end is 120 by 7 feet, but it gradually decreases. Its head varies but slightly and 

is said to average 10 feet. The most important mill on this canal is that of the Telulah 

Paper Company, with a total of 11 turbines, rated at 1,368 actual horsepower.

CEDARS DAM.

This dam backs up the water for the entire distance of 3.3 miles to the lower Appleton 

dam, affording slack-water navigation. Fox River in this stretch is hemmed in by
38 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

high clay banks and has an average width of 600 feet. At a short distance below the dam 

however, a small creek enters from the north, causing the bluffs to recede from the river and 

follow up the creek, leaving a flat area of perhaps 35 acres. The dam is situated about 1,000 

feet below the point where the bluffs leave the river. It crosses the river in a normal distance of 810 feet. It has an average head of 9.7 feet, which at an ordinary flow of 2,660 

second-feet gives 2,910 theoretical horsepower. This power is owned by the Green Bay and 

Mississippi Canal Company, but the entire power is leased to the Kimberly & Clark Paper 

Company for a paper mill. This firm reports an installation of 33 turbines, under a head of 

11 feet, rated at 4,217 actual horsepower.

LITTLECHUTE.

The next Government dam is located 4,000 feet below the Cedars dam at a small village 

called Littlechute. The river has extensive rapids at this point, there being a total descent, 

according to the Government profile, of 36.2 feet in the 2 miles between the foot of the 

Cedars lock and the backwater of the Kaukauna dam below. These rapids are passed by 

a canal 6,500 feet long on the left bank of the river. One lock of 16-foot lift is located 

about 1,000 feet from the head of the canal, and a composite lock of about 20-foot head 

is located at the lower end of the canal.

The river is about 840 feet wide at the dam site. On the left bank the bluffs retreat 

from the river slightly, leaving a narrow flat and some small islands. On the right bank 

there is a break of perhaps 1,500 feet in the bluffs. This power and the adjacent land 

belong to the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company. The dam has a head of 12 feet, 

but the total available head, because of the adjacent rapids in the 7,000 feet below the dam, 

is stated to be 34 feet. This descent, with a flow of 2,660 second-feet, gives 10,200 theoretical horsepower. It is certain that to develop more than half this amount would require 

a large expenditure of money. At the present time 20 feet of fall have been developed.

The Littlechute Pulp Company has installed 24 (mostly 54-inch) turbines under a head 

of 12 feet, rated at 3,000 actual horsepower. The power next in importance on this dam, 

and the only power not leased from the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company, is that 

of a flouring mill owned by Arnold Verstigen, run by 6 turbines rated at 100 horsepower.

COMBINED LOOKS DAM.

About a mile below the Littlechute dam is the Combined Locks dam, owned by the 

Combined Locks Paper Company. A view of this dam, together with part of the company's 

plant, is shown in PL II, B. The company has 49 turbines installed, rated at 4,438 practical horsepower, leased from the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company.

GRAND KAUKAUNA DAM.

A descent of 50.3 feet in a distance of less than a mile entitles the Grand Kaukauna 

rapids to first place in all the water powers of the lower Fox River. Both topographic 

and transportation conditions are very favorable for improvement. The Kaukauna 

dam is distant 2.5 miles from the Littlechute dam and produces slack water to the end of 

the Littlechute canal. The rapids are passed by a ship canal 7,400 feet long, extending 

from the dam and including 5 locks with an aggregate lift of 50.3 feet, all located on 

the left bank of the river. At its middle point this canal is distant 1,000 feet from the 

river. The river is about 700 feet wide at the dam, but a quarter of a mile below broadens 

out between several islands to a maximum width in the middle of the rapids of over 2,000 

feet. The islands are low, but all have the limestone base. These islands, together with 

the flats on both sides of the river, give fine facilities for water-power development. The 

distance across the valley from bluff to bluff is about 3,500 feet.

The water powers are made available in three or more ways, viz, from the ship canal, 

from the Kaukauna Water Power canal, and from the Edwards & Mead canal. There is
U. 6. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER HO. 156 PL. II

A. DAM ON LOWER FOX RIVER AT DEPERE. 

Looking east.

B. COMBINED LOCKS DAM ON LOWER FOX RIVER AT LITTLECHUTE.

Private dam; plant cost $1,250,000.

FOX RIVER SYSTEM. 39

a frontage of 900 feet or more on the upper level of the ship canal suitable for power 

development and furnishing an average head of about 16 feet. The Kaukauna Water 

Power canal starts 400 feet above the dam, thence runs 400 feet at an angle from the shore 

of about 45°. At a point about 200 feet from the river it turns and runs parallel to the 

south channel of the river for 2,000 feet. Its greatest width, 150 feet, is at the bulkhead. 

Its minimum width is 86 feet and its depth is 11 feet. There is said to be a descent of 2 

feet in the total length of 2,400 feet, and the average head furnished is 18 feet. Along 

the side and end of the canal there is a total frontage of 2,100 feet available for power 

sites and mills.

The Kaukauna Water Power Company's claims to one-half the flow of the river were 

denied by the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company at the time of the construction 

of these improvements, and the matter was taken into the courts for adjudication. After 

successive trials in the State courts- the question was finally settled by the United States 

Supreme Court October, 1898, in favor of the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company, 

which thereupon purchased the entire plant and canal of the Kaukauna Water Power 

Com pa 113".

In this decision the Supreme Court held broadly that the use of the surplus waters created by the Government dam and canal at Kaukauna belonged to the Green Bay and 

Mississippi Canal Company, but that "after such waters had passed over the dam and 

through the sluices and had found their way into the unimproved bed of the stream, the 

rights and disputes of the riparian owners must be determined by the State court."

The Edwards & Mead canal was built under the direction of Capt. N. M. Edwards, engineer for the. Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company. Advantage was taken of a branch 

of the main north channel running between two large islands; this was formed into a pocket 

by damming the ends and sides. This channel starts 600 feet below the bridge, and the 

dam was placed 1,000 feet below its head. As the water is taken from below the first 

level of the rapids the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company could make no legal 

claim to it, but subsequent to its development bought the power. The sides of the 

channel are substantially built of earth on the south side and dry rubble masonry on the 

north side.

Recently very comprehensive plans have been prepared for the improvement of the lower 

level at Kaukauna, which will produce 6,500 theoretical horsepower. These plans include 

the blasting out of the tailrace so as to develop a 21-foot head at the present Government 

dam, and also the construction of a new masonsy dam below which will develop 27 feet. 

additional. As this dam would render useless some of the present improvements below 

the Government dam, it will be necessary to purchase such property before the new dam 

can be constructed. These developments will be made as soon as a suitable tenant is 

found.

At the present time the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company offers for rent 3,000 

theoretical horsepower already developed at the headrace of the Kaukauna WaterPower 

Company's canal, recently purchased. Large store buildings at this point, though partially destroyed by fire, could readily be converted into a large manufacturing plant.

The city of Kaukauna has 5,000 inhabitants and i* on the main line of the Chicago 

and Northwestern Railway, being also reached by the Fox River Valley Electric Railway.
40 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

The following table gives a list of the power users at Kaukauna and the installed turbine 

power:

Water powers on Fox River at KauTcaiina. a

Owner.

Water power.

Average 

head.

Feet. 

10 

7 

14 

14 

14 

14 

15 

21 

12 

12 

12

Rated 

H. P.

1,2,30 

47 

194 

250 

194 

389 

1,400 

810

440 

709

Entitled 

to 

75 

100 

75

275 

400 

1,500

Steam 

H.P.

450 

110 

200 

15 

100 

175 

310

350

507

a Nos. 1-4 arc owned jointly by the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company; Nos. 5-9 are leased 

from the same company; Nos. 10 and 11 are leased from same company and Edwards.

Below Kaukauna Rapids the river is from 1,200 to 2,200 feet wide for nearly 2 miles, but 

it gradually contracts to a width of about 500 feet for the lower half of its course between 

Kaukauna and Rapide Croche. Almost without exception the bluffs rise directly from 

the river for the entire distance. Navigation is also by slack water from the Grand Kaukauna Canal to the Rapide Croche dam.

RAPIDE CROCHE DAM.

The Rapide Croche dam is located 4.5 miles below the Grand Kaukauna dam and was 

built by the Government for navigation purposes. It is about 450 feet long and has an 

average head of 8.5 feet. The bluffs rise on either side close to the river, except on the 

left bank at the site of the ship canal. This canal starts just above the dam and extends 

downstream for a distance of 1,760 feet to the lock. This forms a strip of land well suited 

for power or mill sites, being 900 feet long and varying in width from 20 feet at the ends 

to 200 feet at the middle. This ground and 120 acres adjacent is owned by the Green 

Bay and Mississippi Canal Company.

The Rapide Croche dam develops 2,400 theoretical horsepower, which may be leased on 

extremely favorable terms. At the present time this power is not utilized. Its location, 

nearly midway between Green Bay and Appleton, is convenient for the development of 

electric power for railroad or other purposes. The Chicago and Northwestern Railway 

and the Fox River Valley Electric Railway are close at hand on the left bank.

LITTLE KAUKAUNA DAM.

Six miles below the Rapide Croche dam is located another Government dam which furnishes slack-water navigation in this stretch of the river. This dam is about 550 feet long 

and furnishes a head of 8 feet. The bluffs rise close to the right bank, but on the left bank 

recede for several hundred feet. Advantage is taken of this fact to locate the Government canal here. This canal is 950 feet long and has a single lock at its lower end.

The power here, like that at Rapide Croche, is owned by the Green Bay and Mississippi 

Canal Company, while the riparian rights are owned by other parties. This fact has led 

to a protracted legal struggle, which has resulted in preventing the utilization of the valuable water powers. It is stated on good authority that these suits have recently been 

settled and that improvements will soon be made.
FOX RIVER SYSTEM. 41

A large number of water-power lots would be made available by the construction of a 

tailrace parallel to the canal about as shown in fig. 3. An <S-foot head with a flow of 2,660 

second-feet, gives 2,400 theoretical horsepower.

DEPERE DAM.

This dam at Depere, a city of over 4,000 inhabitants, about 7 miles from the mouth of 

Fox River, is the last dam and lock on the river. A view of it is shown in PI. II, A. The 

dam is of crib construction, about 2,000 feet long, and furnishes an average head of 7 feet, 

which, at an ordinary flow of 2,660 seeond-feet, gives 2.100 theoretical horsepower. A 

modern steel bridge is located just below the dam.

Scale

\ofa le

Fio. 3 - Plan of water-powpr development at Little Kankauna, Wis.

This power does not belorig to the Green Bay and Misssisippi Canal Company, for it was 

built under a contract whereby the riparian owners were to have the use of the power in 

return for the maintenance of navigation improvements.

The American Writing Paper Company, which has one of the largest and most modern 

paper mills on the river, has installed 16 large turbines, with a rating of 1,565 practical 

horsepower. In addition the company uses 1,300 steam horsepower. It is entitled to 

the total power of the river less 290 horsepower. The value of its annual product is stated 

at $600,000.

On the right bank, taking water from the ship canal, are located the J. P. Dousman 

Company's flouring mill, with 175 actual turbine horsepower, and the Depere Electric Light 

and Power Company's plant, with 100 actual turbine horsepower. The flouring mill has 

a capacity of 300 barrels a day. These are the last powers on the river.
42 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

RAILROADS.

Attention has elsewhere been called to the fact that the freedom from freshets which lower 

Fox River enjoys allows the building of railroad side tracks over or across the river so as to 

reach any mill no matter how situated. The river thus enjoys excellent railroad facilities. 

The Chicago and Northwestern Railway closely follows the left bank of the river between 

Neenah and Green Bay, and a branch performs a similar service for all the mills between 

Menasha and Kaukauna on the right bank. The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway reaches Neenah, Menasha, and Appleton, while another branch parallels the river 

between Green Bay and Depere. The Wisconsin Central line reaches Neenah and Menasha. 

Besides the steam lines, the river's entire length is closely followed by an electric interurban railroad, which provides a train every hour at reduced rates.

The navigation improvements maintained by the Federal Government provide for a 

6-foot channel between Oshkosh and Green Bay. While this channel is insufficient for the 

larger freight boats navigating the Great Lakes, the commerce on lower Fox River has been 

sufficient to reduce the railroad freight rates to an exceedingly reasonable basis. This gives 

the numerous factories on this river a very marked advantage in shipping both raw materials 

and finished products. This advantage, together with the extremely low rates at which 

water power may be rented (.$5 to $10 per annum per horsepower), has already made this 

one of the largest manufacturing districts in the State.

MENOMINEE RIVER SYSTEM.

This river is formed by the junction of Michigamme and Brule rivers, and for its entire 

length of about 104 miles forms the boundary between Wisconsin and Michigan. It flows 

in a general southeasterly direction, entering Green Bay at Marinette.

DRAIXAGT3.

The Menominee drainage basin is narrow in its lower portion, but widens as the stream 

is ascended, the river receiving important branches near jts source. Its total drainage area 

is about 4,000 square miles, of which 1,450 square miles is in Wisconsin.

Like Chippewa River, it has a main arm to the north, Michigamme River, which is nearly 

as long as the main river, its source, in fact, being within 12 miles of Lake Superior. This 

has an important bearing on the discharge of the Menominee, because it secures the large 

run-off due to the heavy precipitation of that region as well as the steadying effect of the 

enlarged drainage. The combined drainage area of Brule and Michigamme rivers amounts 

to 1,769 square miles a nearly one-half that of the entire river system.

PROFILE.

From its head, at the junction of Brule and Michigamme rivers, to its mouth, a distance 

of about 104 miles, the river descends about 700 feet. In addition to this its Wisconsin 

tributaries descend about 300 feet, and those in Michigan 470 feet. The opportunities for 

water power are numerous, because of the frequent concentrations of descent in rapids 

along the entire course of the river. The following descriptions of the most important 

water powers are taken from data furnished by Messrs. O'Keef & Orbison, hydraulic engineers, of Appleton, Wis., who also loaned maps and profiles of the river, and from the very 

full descriptions by James L. Greenleaf, C. E., in the census report.&

Quoting from the latter:

It will be evident from the following account that there is an immense amount of water power on the 

Menominee awaiting development, the concentrations of the descent in numerous rapids and falls supplying remarkably fine opportunities for improvements. Any works for the uti'i?ation of the power 

would have to be so constructed as not to interfere with the manufacturing company in the driving of 

logs; but dams, etc., could be built so as to be no hindrance to the passage of logs.

« Tenth Census, vol. 17, p. 57.

b Water powers of the Northwest: Tenth Census, vol. 17, pp. 59-60.
MENOMUSTEE R1YEE SYSTEM. 43

Tn the table that follows will be found a statement in detail of the descent of Menominee 

River, together with other valuable data:

Profile of Menominee Hirer from its rtiouth to head of upper rapids, Twin Falls.a

No.

1 

2 

3 

4

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20

22 

23 

24

25 

26

27

28

Station.

Grand rapids, foot (mouth of Little Cedar Riven .... 

Grand rapids, head (NW. } sec. 32, T. 34 N., R. 23 E. > .

White rapids, foot (lot 1, sec. 30, T. 35 N., R. 21 E.) .. 

White rapids, head (south line sec. 7, T. 35 N., R. 22. E. ) 

Pemena rapids, foot (mouth Pe.raena Creek) ......... 

Pemena rapids, head (south line sec. 5, T. 36 N., R.

Norway, Mich. (where public road joins river) ....... 

Iron Mountain, Mich. (500 feet above old ferry) ......

Dista

From 

mouth.

Miles.

2.0 

2.5

2.75

8.7 

22.0 

24. 5 

26. 5 

50.7 

53. 7 

til. 5

63.0 

(',7. 0

77.0

78.1 

80.1 

84.1 

85.4 

85. 65 

89.9 

91. 15 

92.4 

100.4 

101.4 

102. 1

nee 

Between 

points.

Miles.

2.0 

.5 

. 25

1.0 

13. 3

2.0 

24.2 

3.0

7. S

1.5 

4.0

9.5

.6 

2.0 

4.0 

1.3

4.25 

1.25

1.25 

8.0 

1.0

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

Feet. 

580.0

580.0 

587. 0 

594.0 

612. 0 

622. 0± 

649. 0± 

669. 0± 

671. 8 

683. 4 

714.4 

74S. 3

767. 1 

773.1 

786. 2 

803. 9 

816.8 

818.0 

824.0 

851. 0 

878. 0 

942.0 

960.0 

1,020.0 

1,045.0 

1,065. 3 

1,072.5 

1,099.8

Descent between points.

Total.

Feet.

Per 

mile.

Feet.

7.0 

7.0 

18.0 

10.0 

27.0 

20.0 

2.8 

11.6 

31.0 

30.3

18.8 

6.0 

13.1 

17.7 

12.9 

1.2 

6.0 

27.0 

27.0 

64.0 

24.0 

54.0 

25.0 

20.3

27.3

14.0 

28.0 

3.6 

10. 0± 

2.0± 

8.0 

1.4 

48.0 

103.0 

3.9

12. 5 

15.0 

26.2 

1.9 

25.8 

2.0 

3.0 

6.7 

20.7 

256. 0 

5.6 

43.3 

20.0 

2.5 

7.2

3.9 3 Q 

a A

10-18, . . . , 

Chicago and Northwestern Railway.

GEOLOGY.

While the surface is largely covered, generally deeply, by glacial drift, the Menominee 

and all its tributaries flow over hard, pre-Ca7nbrian crystalline rocks as far south as the 

mouth of Pike River, or fully two-thirds its length. In this region important iron mines are 

found. Below the mouth of Pike River the Menominee flows 10 miles across the Cambrian 

sandstone, then for 18 miles across the next higher layer, the "Lower Magnesian" limestone, and for the last 8 miles to its mouth across the "Trenton" group of limestones. a

The crossing of the Cambrian sandstone results in no rapids of importance, but two rapids 

occur in passing the "Lower Magnesian" and the "Trenton" limestones. Most of the 

rapids, of course, are in the harder crystalline rocks above the mouth of Pike River .

The topography of the country through which Menominee River flows can not be described as mountainous, but many high ridges give diversity to the surface. The Wisconsin 

branches, Pine and Brule rivers, rise side by side with the Flambeau and the Wisconsin in

a Geol. Wisconsin, p.
44 WATER POWEKS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

a.high, flat plateau, abounding in lakes and swamps. In many cases the rivers head in 

lakes but a few rods apart, or even in the same swamp. These lakes and swamps have an 

elevation of nearly 1,600 feet above sea level, or 1,000 feet above Lake Michigan. The 

Michigan branches flow from a similar though even higher region, and it is certain that 

these swamps and lake reservoirs exert a marked influence in steadying the discharge of 

the 'river.

TCALNTATjTl, AND RIIX-OFF.

Because of the paucity of data concerning the discharge of rivers in this region, it is 

exceedingly difficult to estimate the ordinary discharge. The discharge measurements in 

this district have been made since 1901, and most of them since 1903.

The rivers mentioned below are similarly situated with respect to Lake Superior, which 

is perhaps the governing factor in determining the rainfall. In 1903 Escanaba River 

yielded a minimum of 700 second-feet from 891 square miles. Measurements made by 

the I. Stevenson Company indicate a minimum flow of this river, in a dry year, of 400 secondfeet. Measurements of Iron River, continuing from November, 1901, to April, 1904, show 

a minimum flow of 0.8 second-foot per square mile for two months in 1902, and the same 

for February, 1903. It seems reasonably certain that except in unusually dry years the 

ordinary low-water discharge of these rivers is not far from 0.6 second-foot per square mile. 

In 1904, a year of average rainfall, the minimum run-off occurred in the month of December, 

when it averaged 0.77 second-foot per square mile.

In the following tables will be found the maximum, minimum, and mean discharge in 

second-feet of Menominee River at Little Quinnesee Falls during twelve months of 1898 

and 1899 :

Estimated monthly discharge of Menominee, River at Little Quinnesee Falls, Wis.a, May, 1898,

to August, 1899.

[Drainage area, 2,432 square miles.]

Date.

1898.

July................................................

1899.

July................................................

Discharge.

Maximum.

Sec.-feet. 

3,802 

3, GIG 

2,740 

4,968 

3,544 

5,735 

3,601

4,642 

4,485 

4,624 

2,521

1,789

Minimum.

Sec.-feet. 

2,443 

1,447 

655 

498 

797 

1,947 

1,484

3,083 

3,744 

2,017 

804 

1,408

Mean.

Sec.-feet. 

3,08G 

2,459 

1,439 

2,282 

2,566 

3,248 

2 ; 7G6

4,011 

4,112 

3,476 

1,819 

1,573

Run-off.

Per 

square 

mile.

Sec.-feet. 

1.26 

1.01 

.59 

.94 

1.05 

1.34 

1.14

1.65 

1.69 

1.43

.75 

.65

Depth.

Inches. 

1.45 

1.13 

.68 

1.08 

1.17 

1.54 

1.27

1.84 

1.95 

1.60 

.86 

. 75

a For the daily discharge for this time see Water-Supply Paper No. 83, pp. 250-257. Measurements 

were made by J". H. Wallace, C. E., and furnished by Kimberly & Clark, of Niagara, Wis.
MENOMINEE KIVER SYSTEM. 45

It will be seen that the smallest monthly average during this time was 0.59 second-foot 

per square mile of drainage. Lumbering operations on Menominee River, though declining since 1892, are still active. The operation of the many logging dams must have a great 

effect on the regimen of the river. In a few years the lumber will be so nearly removed 

that it will be cheaper to carry logs by railroad. Then the dams can be used to augment 

the low-water flow. This will greatly enhance the value, of the water powers.

The average annual rainfall of this region is estimated by the Tenth Census at 35 inches, 

or 10 per cent in excess of the average of the, State.

The following table gives the annual precipitation in the valleys of Wolf, Oconto, Peshtigo, and Menominee rivers for the eleven years ending in 1904:

Ajtnual precipitation, icith average*, at revert utationn in Wiwortxirt covering eleven years.

Station. 1894. 1895.

Koepenick ............. 23. 8 24. 9

Florence ............... 27. ti 27. 2

Oconto................ 29.8 29.9

Shawano .............. 27. 9 ......

Waupaca .............. ...... ......

Average......... 27.3 27.3

1896. ' 1897.

35. 1 < 30. 2

32. 2 25. 5

29.2 ' 25.7

36. 0 I 28. 1

32. S ' 25.3

33.6 26.5

3fi. 3 27. 0

i

1898. 1899.

28. 1 31.3

27. 5 34. 3

29. 7 2(i. 4

29. 0 ......

25. 3 27. 9

24. 3 32. 4

27.5 ' 30.8

1900.

In.

46. 6

37.9

38.0

39.3

39.1

1901.

In.

33. 0

32.7

28.1

28.1

26.0

29.6

1902.

29.3

34.3

30.8

30.8

1903.

42. 9

43.3

34.1

28". 8

32.0

36.2

1904.

In.

30.2

43.0

34.7

31.1

32.0

34.2

Average.

32.6

31.7

31.3

29.8

29.7

31.5

The summary given above, embodying observations of the yearly rainfall from 1894 to 

1904, inclusive, at seven near-by stations, shows the average rainfall of this section for the 

above period to be 31.5 inches. This is very conservative, for earlier observations for 

longer periods show larger averages, as will be seen from the following:

Record of precipitation at two stations in Wisconsin prior to 1894- 

[From the Smithsonian tables.]

Station. Period 

covered.

Years. 

35

12

Precipitation.

Inches. 

38.3

44.1

There is reason to believe that the rainfall at the headwaters of these rivers is in excess 

of that on the lower part of the drainage area, where most of the observation stations 

are located.

The following table compiled from Bulletin C, United States Weather Bureau, shows
46 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

the result of observations of precipitation and temperature in the basins of Fox, Oconto, 

Menominee, and Wolf rivers for the years stated prior to 1876:

Record of precipitation and temperature at nine stations in Wisconsin prior to 1876.

Station.

Period of 

observation.

1*71-1874 

1836-1845 

ISM-1873 

1867-1874 

1857-1858 

1856-1871 

1 ,858-1865 

1864-1874 

1872-1876

Spring.

Inches. 

5.50 

5. 58 

6.74 

5.50 

6.83 

7.65 

6.18 

8.14 

8.52

Precipitati

Sum- Aumor. ' tumn.

Inches. 

6.25 

11. 4fi 

17.85 

14. 50 

10. 73 

10.24 

9.35 

12.49 

13.72

Inches. 

1.98 

7.63 

14.23 

6.92 

7.0fi 

6.92 

10.43 

8.21 

10.57

on.

Winter.

Indies. 

3.16 

2.83 

5.31 

3.93 

5.14 

3.70 

4.46 

5.73 

3.28

Year.

Inches. 

25 92

27. 50 

44.13 

25. 92 

29.76 

28.51 

32.42 

34. 57 

36.09

Tenipe

Summer.

Of

68.22 

68.20 

70.17 

65.30 

67.48 

68.10 

66.82

rature.

Winter.

°F.

19.81 

19. 32 

20.48 

23.11 

20.15 

18.62 

18.25

It will be noted that the upper portion of this drainage area is scarcely represented in 

the above tables, the stations where, rainfall observations were made being grouped in 

the lower portion of the river valleys. There is reason to believe that the average rainfall 

would be found to be sensibly larger for a series of stations more evenly distributed so as 

to include the northern portion.

The following discharge measurements, gage heights, and rating table are the result of 

observations by hydrographers of the United States Geological Survey on Menominee 

River, near Iron Mountain, Midi.:

Discharge measurements of Menominee River at Homestead bridge, near Iron Mountain, Mich.,

1902 to 1905.

Date.

1902.

1903.

July 22. ..............

1904.

October 11

1905.

A-rvril 1O

July 13...............

Hydrographer.

W. V. Savicki ..............

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

S.K.Clapp. ................

.....do. .....................

.....do......................

.....do......................

Width.

Feet.

opiO

210

205

210

99 =

220

215

°08

225

207

Area of 

section.

Sq.fect.

1,455

2,408

2,035

2,100

1,346

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.pr. sec.

2 22

2.68

1.42

2.02

o Oft

1 94

2.32

2.50

1.83

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1 90

5 40

4.20

7 95

8 97

6.85

3.67

6.58

Discharge.

Sec-feet. 

1,322 

1,584

3,409

5,570

3,161

2,357

9,490

2,856

6,193

7,591

1,558

3,176

7,714

2,925

. 6,588

4,718

2,524

5,230

2,469

a Stream full of logs; probably log jam. b Mean velocity=85 per cent of surface velocity.
MENOMINEE RIVER SYSTEM. 47

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of M(nominee River near Iron Mountain, Mich., September 

4,~1903, to December 31, 1905.

Day. Sept. Oct.

15)02. 

1 1 67

Nov.

2 1 53 9,. sn

4 1 00 1 4o 2 79

6........................ 2.00 ' l.'.S

8........................ 2.35 1.67 ! ... 

2 95

2 6(1

14........................ 1.33 2.93

13........................ 1.45 2.47

16........................ 1.40 1.82

6.88

Dec. Day.

9 29

1902. 

17

1<>

2 25 20

1.85

1 95 22

Sept. Oct.

1.40 

1.45

1.35 

1.35

1 °0

1.65 

1.92

1.60 

1.65 

1 57

1 . 45 1 65

2 25 ' 23 1 52

2.70 '24 1.48

3.45

3.60

2. 85

26 ...

27......................

f}Q

29. . ... ...........

30.......................

1.47 

1.40

1 35

Nov.

0.45 

5. 65 

5. 35 

5.00 

4.47 

4 45

1.67 3.90 

2. 42 "3. 92

2.80 

3.22

3. 57

1.38 3.07 

1.55 2.83 

9. 75

3. 45 

3.30 

3.00 

2. 62 

2.55 

2. 62

Dec.

2. 55 

2.70 

2.63 

2.75 

2. 75

2. 40 

2. 32 

2. 35 

2. 20 

2.10 

2.00 

2.15 

2.20 

2.10

Day. Jan.

1(103. 

I.............. 2.55

9 0 y>

3. --------...-- 2. 42 

4.............. 2.48 

5.............. 2.50

7.-..........-- 2.25

8.............. 2.40 

9---.---.-.---- 2.35

11.............. 2. 3j

12.............. 2.30

14.............. 2.10

16...-.-.---...- 2.22 

17.............. 2.25

IS.............. 2.25

°0 2 95

21.............. 2.10

22... ........... 2.20 

23. .-....-...-.. 2. 22

24.............. 2.15

25.............. 2.12

26. .........-...' 2.25

27..............' 2.35

28.-----..-..-.. 2.25

29 2 35

30.............. 2.35

31.............. 2.20

Feb.

2. 35

9 On

2.20 

2. 15 

2. 15 

2.28

9 25

2.22 

2.20

2 28

o 92

2.25

2.25

2.18

2.20

2.10

2.00 

1.95

2.20

2.25

2.32

2.45

2.38

Mar.

2.38 

2.38

2. 42 

2.40 

2.35

2.55

2.68 

2.72

2.75

3. 55

3.48

4. 25

6. 25

8.38

8. 85

7. 50 

6.20

5.95

5.80

5.42

4 65

4 30

Apr.

4.68

5. 05 

0. 35 

2. 25 

4.75

8.30

5.50 

5.50

6.25

7.25

7.15

6.70 

7.45

7. 52

7.80

8 30

7 45

7. 58

7.05 

6.90

7.6.5

7.50

7.00

6.45

May.

7. 05

9. 55 

8.80 

9. 45 

9 48

9.72

9.60 

9.32 

7 90

M 90

9.45

8.65

7.55

9.05

7.40 

9.40

6.80

7.15

8.45

11.85

10.10

June.

9.30

6.30 

7.60 

7.05

3.40

4.85 

4.85 

4.45

3 90

4 40

6.75

4.45 

4.55

3.75

4 80

2.30

3. 10 

2.70

3.10

2.70

2 45

July.

3.70 

4 80

6.50 

3.85 

3.50 

7.40

6.30

5.95 

5.45 

5.25

5. 20

6.00

4 65

4.60

3.40 

3. 05

2.S5

2.40

3.10

4.20 

3.15

o.lO

3.25

4.80

6. 85

8.20

Aug.

6.25 

6.20

4. 55 

5.00 

6.60

8.90 

7.20

6.60

6.50

5.40 

 ") 00

5.00

3. 75

3.70

3.3.5

4.05

4.65

3.85

4.00

Sept.

4.45 

4.05

3.70 

3.50 

3.65

4.65

5.70 

6. 05

5. SO

8.10 

9 00

10. 50

9. 45

8.00

6. 85 

6.95

6.35

4. 45

5.50

4.80

Oct.

4.30 

4 40

5.20 

0.60 

7.70

7. .55 

7.10 

6.85

0. 70

6.50

5.75

5.40 

4.85

4 90

4 90

5.20

5.30 

4.35

4.20

4.05

3.80

3.90

3.85

3 80

3. 75

3. 70

Nov.

3.80

3 on

3.75 

4.10 

4.00

3.65 

3.50 

3.40

4.10

4 95

o rn

3.20 

3.25

3. 55 

3 95

2. 65

*> C%

2.50

3.25 

3.00

3.10

2.90

3.00

2.85

3.00

Dec.

3.60

3.55 

3.55 

3.70

3.40

3.35 

3. 35

2.90

9 fin

9 f;n

2.40

2.40

2.65

9 35

2.30

2.25 

2.35

2.30

2.35

2.65

3.15

3.25

3.05
48 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Mean daily gage height, infect, of Me nominee River ntar Iron Mountain, Mich., September 

4, 1902, to December 31, jyrtJ Continued.

Day.

1904. 

1..............

2..............

3.............. 

4.............. 

5. .............

6.............. 

7.............. 

8..............

9.............. 

10..............

11.............. 

12..............

13..............

14.............. 

15.............. 

16.............. 

17.............. 

18..............

19..............

20..............

21..............

22..............

23. .............

24..............

25..............

26. .............

27..............

28. ............. 

29..............

30.............. 

31..............

1905. 

1

2..............

3.......

4..............

5.... ..........

6..............

8..............

9..............

10

Jan.

3.20 

2.90 

2.70 

2.75 

2. 75 

3.20 

3.60 

3.50

Feb.

4.30 

4. 25 

4.30 

4. 50 

4.30 

4.25 

4.20 

4.20 

4.25 

4. on

3. 45 3. 90 

3. 20 3. as

3.10 

3.40 

4.25 

4.30 

4.30 

4.35 

4.35 

4.40 

4.15 

4.10 

4.25 

4.2.5 

4.20 

4.20

4.25 

4.20 

4.50 

4.45 

4.35

2.58

2.35

2. 60

2.60

2.80 

9 y>

11.............. .......

12.............. .......

13..............;.......

14.............. ....... 

15..............'.......

16 a. 20

18..............

19..............

2.90 

2.92

3.90 

3.85 

3.95 

3.80 

3.75 

3.75 

3.70 

3.90 

3.75 

3.60 

3.60 

3.55 

3.65

3.75 

4.55 

4.90

2.70

2.40

2.55 

o Gage

Mar.

4.75 

4.70 

4.55 

4.10 

3.90 

4. .50 

,4.90 

4.80 

4.70

3.50 

3.00 

3.15 

3.30 

3.25 

3.00 

3.05 

3.35 

3.45 

3.15 

3.15 

3.40 

3.45 

3. 75 

4.55 

4.60

4.35 

4.40 

4.30 

4.55 

4.60

2.35 

2.38 

2.45

Apr.

4.65 

4.55 

4.35 

4.60 

5.10 

4.85 

4.70 

4.65 

6.05 

6.20 

4.10 

3.80 

3. 65 

3.70 

3.75 

4.10 

3.95 

4.25 

4.40 

4.30 

4. 35 

4.40 

5.45 

6.05 

7.35 

7.25

7.4.5 

8.35

7.75 

7.40

7.40 

6.80 

6.70 

7.00 

7.00

7 45

2.60 

2. 62 

2.60

2.38 

2.30 

2.22 

2.25 

2.35

under

May.

7.90 

7.95 

8.70 

9.70 

8.15 

9.70 

8. .50 

10.40 

11. 95 

("i 

11.80 

11.10 

10. 70 

10. 55 

9. a") 

9. 05 

8.10 

8.15 

8.15 

6.25 

4.90 

6. 15 

6. 10 

7. 05 

8.25 

9.60

(a) 

10.90 

10.00 

8.70 

8.00

8.60 

8.40 

8.50 

9.10 

9.20

9.20

Q an

6. 80 9. 20 

6. 80 9. 80 

6. 60 9. 60

7.00 

7.30

7.40 

7.40 

6.70 

6.40 

6.10 

6.20 

5.80

water.

9.10 

9.00

9.10 

8.30 

7.40 

8.60 

9.70 

10.10 

10.20

June.

8.45 

6. 95 

5. 65 

6.30 

9.60 

7.30 

8.80 

7. 50 

8. 55 

8. 50 

7.50 

6.70 

6.70 

5.90 

5.40 

4.95 

4.60 

4.50 

3.70 

3.50 

3.50 

4.40 

3.70 

3.70 

5. 45 

7.20 

6.75 

5.60 

6.70 

6.70

3.60 

5.60 

2.40 

2.40 

3.50 

6.30 

6.90 

7.30 

6.30 

7.10 

5.20 

5.80 

5.70 

5.70 

5.80 

6.40 

7.30 

7.20 

10.20

July.

4.130 

2. 35 

2.20 

2.90 

2.80 

3.70 

3.60 

3.60 

4.20 

o.30 

4.10 

4.20 

1.80 

4.30 

3.75 

4.30 

1.6.5 

3. 25 

3.05 

2.50 

4.30 

2.70 

2.30 

1.30 

2.75 

1.40 

2.70 

1.50 

3.10 

1.45 

1.30

5.50 

8.60 

6.40 

7.10 

8.00 

8.00 

7.60 

7.60 

5.80 

4.20 

5.20 

4.90 

5.40 

5.20 

5.60 

4.30 

4.40 

6.10 

3.90

Aug. S.'pt.

2. 35 

3.30 

2.90 

3.00 

1.30 

2.70 

1.30 

1.20 

1.45 

3.20 

3.80 

4.40 

4.00 

1.90 

2.05 

3.70 

3.60 

4.00 

3.10 

3.15 

2.40 

3.65 

3.45 

3.90 

3. M 

3.40 

2.70 

2.30 

1.90 

2.05 

1.95

4.20 

3.70 

3.40 

3.50 

3.40 

3.45 

3.30 

3.25 

3.40 

3.30 

3.40 

3.20 

3.20 

3.30 

3.30 

2.80 

2.50 

2.65 

2.50

6 Kiv

1.80 

3.15 

3.70 

4.95 

4.30 

4.00 

4.10 

4.10 

3.70 

3.15 

2.90 

3.10 

2. 55 

2.85 

3. 50 

3.40 

2.80 

3.15 

2.60 

2.70 

2.95 

2.30 

2.55 

3.80 

3.90 

3.95 

4.15

4. no

3.50 

3.37

2.80 

3.90 

7.20 

8.00 

7.80 

7.00 

6.30 

5.30 

4.60 

4.40 

4.10 

3.70 

3.35 

3.00 

2.95 

3.60 

4.30 

4.40 

4.80 

ir froze

Oct.

3. 05 

2. 75 

2. 65 

2.45 

2.75 

2. 85 

2. 55 

2.90 

3.80 

6.70 

7.60 

8.25 

7.80 

7.35 

6.40 

5.90 

5. 55 

5.30 

5.20 

5.00 

5.00 

5.05 

5.05 

5.15 

5.05 

5. 15 

5.05 

4.85 

4.35 

4.30 

3.90

2.82 

2.80 

2.50 

2.42 

2.42 

2.35 

2.40 

2.42 

2.40 

2.35 

2.40 

2.45 

2.50 

2.55 

2.80 

2.90 

2.82 

2. 98 

3.10

n.

Nov.

3.10 

3.65 

4.10 

3.75 

3.25 

3.50 

3.80 

4.85 

4.10 

3.10 

3.20 

3.20 

3.25 

3.05 

2.95 

3.05 

2.80 

3.85 

3.15 

2.92 

2.90 

2.67 

2.77 

2.85 

2.75 

2.42 

1.92 

1.75 

2.00 

2.07

3.30 

3.30 

3.20 

3.00 

3.00 

3.00 

2.95 

2.88 

2.92 

3.00 

3.00 

3.00 

2.90 

2.98 

3.10 

3.15 

3.05 

2.90 

2.88

Dec.

2. 42 

2.20 

2 22 

2.25 

2. 55 

2.50 

2.30 

2.92 

2.95 

2.97 

2.75 

2.50 

2.32 

2.27 

2.32 

2.32 

2.47 

2.50 

2.47 

2.27 

2.22 

2. 42 

2.37 

2.40

2.47 

2.32 

2.20

( 6 )

2.60

1.80 

1.75 

2.25 

2.30 

2.25 

2.65 

3.30 

3.15 

3.20 

3.20 

3.30 

3.20 

3.45 

3.30 

3.25 

3.40 

3.30 

3.25 

3.00
MEWOMTNEE RIVER SYSTEM. 49

Mean daily gage height, infect, of Me nominee River near Iron Mountain, Mich., September 

4, 1903, to December 31, 1905 Continued.

Day.

1905 

20..............

I').. ............

' )

Jan.

2. 95

9 70

2.50

3.00

Feb.

2.35

'> *?^

2.40

2.40

2.4.5

Mar.

2.50

2.40

2.45

2.50 

2.65

3.40

3.80

4.00

7.60

7.40

Apr.

5.80

5.70

0.20

6.40

0. SO

7.60

S.OO

8. 60

May.

9.30

10.20

7.40 

7.40

5.20

7.60

5.00

4.80

5.80

3.40

JllIK'.

9.30

6.70

6.50 

6.50

5.80

5.60

7 80

7.60

S.OO

8.90

July.

3.40

2.20

2.05

2.95 

3.90

3.70

3.40

3.95

4.60

4.70

4.60

Aug.

2.70

2.72

2.25

2.00 

2.22

2.20

2.28

2.10

2.07

2.00

Sept.

4.90

4.80

4.40

3.80 

3. 50

3. 15

2.95

, 3.05

2.85

1 2.80

Oct.

3.30

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.40

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.30

Nov.

2.90

3.05

3 fi^

3.10 

3n^

3

1 £

3.05

2.90

2.50

1.80

Dec.

2.95

2.85

2.60 

2.60

2.65

2.70

2.55

2.40

2.40

2.48

liafhnj tnble for Menominee River near Iron Mountain, Mich., September 4,1902, to December

31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

Discharge Gage 

height. Discharge. Gage 

height.

Second-feet. Feet. Second-feet. Feet.

1,032 2.8 2,080 4.4

1,094 2.9 2,150

1,156 3.0 2,220

1,219 3.1

1,282 3.2

1.7 i 1,346

1.8 ' 1,410

1.9 , 1,475

2.0 1,540

2.1 1,606

2. 2

2.3

2.4

2.5

1,672

1,739

3.3

2,290

2, .01

2,432

3.4 2,503

3.5

3.6

3.7

2,575

2,647

2,719

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

5.0

5.2

5.4

5. 6

3.8 2,792 5.8

3.9 2,806 0.0

1,806 4.0 2,940 , 6.2

1,874 ' 4.1 3,015

2.6 1,942 4.2 3,090

2.7 2,011 ' 4.3 3,166

6.4

6.6

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,242

3,319

3,396

3,474

3,552

3,630

3,708

3,865

4,023

4,183

4,345

4,510

4,680

4,860

5,040

height. Discharge.

Feet.

6.8

7.0

7.2

7.4

7.6

7.8

8.0

8.5

9.0

Second-feet.

5,230

5,420

5,615

5,815

0,025

6,235

0,450

7,020

7,630

9.5 8,280

10.0

10.5

11.0

11.5

12.0

8,970

9,670

10,370

11,070

11,770

IKR 156 06-
50 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Estimated monthly discharge of Menominee River near Iron Mountain, Mien., September,

to December 31, 1905.

[Drainage area, '2, 41.5 square miles.]

Date.

190 . 

September (4-30) ...................................

1003.

1904. a

July................................................

1905.1

July................................................

Discharge.

Maximum.

Sec.-feet. 

1,772 

2,625 

5,306 

2,647

6,780 

11,560 

8,020 

6,670 

7,630 

10,650 

6,130 

3,669 

2,719

8,150 

11,770 

8,410 

3,396 

3,242 

3,669 

6 , 72.3 

3,591 

2,199

7,140 

9,250 

9,250 

7,140 

3,090 

0, 450 

2,611 

2, 432 

2, 539

Mini- , f mum. Mean -

Sec-feet. 

1,032 

1,094 

1,806 

1,282

1,705 

4,698 

1,540 

1,806 

2,467 

2,575 

2,719 

1,874 

1,705

2,683 

3,630 

2,575 

1,094 

1,032 

1,410 

1,840 

1,378 

1,672

4,265 

2,503 

1,806 

1,573 

1,540 

2,080 

1.772 

1,410 

1,378

Sec.-feet. 

1,295 

1,596 

2,829 

1,909

5,175 

7,496 

3,417 

3,553 

4,049 

5,091 

4,057 

2,505 

2,150

3,995 

7,879 

4,791 

2,196 

2, 125 

2,488 

3,650 

2,293 

1,838

5,282 

6,810 

5,011 

3,850 

2,130 

3,284 

2,163 

2,204 

2.085

Run-ofl.

Per

square 

mile.

Sec.-feet. 

0. 536 

.661 

1.17 

.790 

*

2.39 

3.57 

1.57 

1.70 

1.94 

2.35 

1.94 

1.16 

1.03

1.84 

3.76 

3.21 

1.05 

1.01 

1.15 

1.74 

1.06 

.877

2.19 

2.82 

2.07 

1.59 

.882 

1.36 

.896 

.913 

.863

Depth.

Inches. 

0.538 

.762 

1.30 

.911

2.14 

3.10 

1.41 

1.47 

1.68 

2.11 

1.68 

1.04 

.890

1.65 

3.26 

1.98 

.909 

.880 

1.03 

1.51 

.949 

.761

2.44 

3.25 

2.31 

1.83 

1.02 

1.52 

1.03 

1.02 

.995

a Ice conditions January, February, and March. No estimate made.

The following table of drainage areas of Menominee River at various points is compiled 

from Water-Supply and Irrigation Paper No. 83:

Menominee River drainage areas.

Square miles. 

Brule River above Iron River.............................................. 170. 0

Iron River above mouth.......-........-.-...--........-..-......-.-..-.. 94. 7

Brule River, including Iron River.......................................... 264. 7

Brule River above Paint River............................................. 305. 0

Paint River at mouth..................................................... 738. 5

Brule River at junction with Michigamme River............................. 1,014. 0
MENOMINEE RIVER SYSTEM. 51

Square miles. 

Michigamme River at mouth.............................................. 723. 7

Menomineo River at junction of Brule and Michigamme rivers................. 1,767. 7

Menominee River above junction with Pine River............................ 1,833. 0

Pine River.............................................................. 586. 0

Menominee River, including Pine River..................................... 2, 419. 0

Menominee River above Sturgeon River..................................... 2, 538. 0

Sturgeon River at mouth.................................................. 396. 0

Menominee River, including Sturgeon River................................. 2, 934. 0

Menominee River above junction with Pemebonwon River.................... 2, 993. 0

Feme Bon Won River..................................................... 163. 0

Menominee River, including Pemebonwon River............................. 3,156. 0

Menominee River above junction with Pike River............................ 3, 274.0

Pike River.............................................................. 292.0

Menominee River, including Pike River..........................._......... 3, 566. 0

Menominee River above Little Cedar River................................... 3,792. 0

Little Cedar River....................................................... 149. 0

Menominee River, including Little Cedar River.............................. 3, 941. 0

Menominee River at mouth............................................... 4,113. 0

WATER POWERS.

GENERAL CONDITIONS.

Principally because of the opening up of the many rich and valuable iron mines of this 

region, and the resulting extensive railroad building, the valley of Menominee River has 

had a rapid development. The following railroads at present have extensions in this 

territory: Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul; Chicago and Northwestern; Minneapolis, St. 

Paul and Sault Ste. Marie; and Wisconsin and Michigan. All of them cross the Menominee one or more times, and several are near enough to run short spurs to the important 

water-power sites. The developed water power is at present used for the most part in 

mining and for the operation of lumber, paper, and pulp mills.

Menominee River varies in width from 200 to 600 or 700 feet far up toward the headwaters. For the, first 7 miles from the junction of the Brule and Michigamme there are 

no heavy rapids, but, in the language of the lumberman, there is "strong water" all the 

way and probably many good water-power sites.

BAD WATER RAPIDS.

The first notable rapids, known as the Bad Water rapids, occur 7 miles below the head 

of the river, in sec. 27, T. 40 N., R. 19 E., at a point where the river, 100 feet wide, descends 

5 feet over a ledge of rock. While definite information is lacking, it is likely that a dam 

could be built here, giving a head of 10 feet.

* TWIN FALLS.

About 3J miles below Bad Water rapids, in sec. 2, T. 39 N., R. 19 E., are the Twin 

Falls, about one-half mile apart. The vertical fall in each case is 12 feet, but the adjacent rapids are sufficient to increase the total descent to 28 feet.

PINE KIVER RAPIDS.

For 6 miles below the foot of Twin Falls the total descent of the river is but 20 feet, 

and the only rapids worthy of note are those extending for about five-eighths of a mile 

on both sides of the mouth of Pine River. Here an island divides the river into two channels with rocky bed. The descent of the rapids at this point is said to be 6 feet, but as 

the banks are high a dam could develop more than this. Pine River increases the drainage area by 586 square miles.
52 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

HOUSE RACE RAPIDS.

The most important rapids between Twin Falls and Big Quiimesec. Falls, called the 

Horse Race, are found in sec. 7, T. 38 N., R. 20 E., both above and below the Chicago, 

Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad bridge. These rapids consist of two pitches, the upper 

of about 20 and the lower of S feet descent, separated by about 2,000 feet of less swift 

water. As the banks are high and the river narrow, it seems likely that a dam could be 

economically constructed here to develop about 40 feet of head. This site is only 3 miles 

from Iron Mountain, Midi.

BIG QUINNESKC FALLS.

A little over 7 miles below the mouth of Pine River, and 4 miles from Quinnesec, are 

the Big (Upper) Quinnesec Fall*. These are located in sec. b', T. 38 N., R. 20 E.

At Upper Quinnesoc Falls the river narrows to hardly more than .50 feet, wide, (map measurement) 

between rocky banks of igneous origin. Immediately at the foot of the falls the river widens out, 

and about 800 feet below is 700 feet across. On the Wisconsin side the banks are 80 to 100 feet high 

and on the Michigan side 30 to 40 feet.a

Below the. falls the river descends only 2 feet to the mile for a distance of about 3 miles. 

At present only 54 feet of the total head is improved, one-half of the power being used to 

compress air for the supply of the Chapin Iron Mines at Iron Mountain, 3£ miles distant. 

The remaining portion is to be harnessed in 1905 and used for operating mines at Norway, 

9 miles away. On account of the local conditions it is unlikely that much more than the 

present head can be economically developed.

LITTLE QUINNESEO FALLS.

Four miles below in sec. 10, T. 38 N., R. 20 E., are the Little (lower) Quinnesec Falls, 

which, together with the upper falls, described above, form the most important powers on 

the river. For the greater portion of the distance between the upper and lower Quinnesec 

Falls- there is comparatively quiet water. The greater part of the descent of 24 feet in 

this distance occurs in the lower 2 miles. Above the upper and below the lower falls the 

banks are generally high near the river, but between these falls the hills recede from the 

river an average distance of about one-half mile and are separated from it by a flat and in 

some places swampy area.

Maj. T. B. Brooks, who reported on the geology of this district, considered that the shore 

deposits indicated the presence of a lake, at a comparatively recent date.

Above Little Quinnesec Falls the river runs southwest, but at the foot of the falls it suddenly turns at right angles and runs southeast, the water surging down an incline of about 

45° and then plunging into the comparatively still water of the basin below. The total 

fall is 62 feet. A short distance above the falls the river is 250 feet wide, but narrows 

down at the pitch to about .50 feet. The falls are hemmed in by great masses of greenstone and schist rock. Along the Michigan side a steep cliff of greenstone at least 140 feet 

high forms the bank for a distance of a mile or more. A smaller, but similar, rib of rock 

forms the Wisconsin bank for about 700 feet.

Formerly Little Quinnesec Falls were partially developed under 25 feet head for woodpulp grinding; but in 1898 they were redeveloped by the Ivimberly & Clark Company for 

wood-pulp and paper manufacturing. A ledge of rock, which is used for a bridge pier, 

divides the falls into two channels. The present development gives a net head of 62 feet, 

equivalent to 8,370 theoretical horsepower. An actual installation of turbines, generating 

5,800 horsepower, consumes all the available power.

SAND PORTAGE RAPIDS.

These rapids lie between Little Quinnesec Falls and the mouth of Sturgeon River. They 

receive this name because the Indians, in making their ''carry'" around part of them,

a Tenth Census, vol. 17.
MENOMINEE RIVER SYSTEM. 53

passed over a largo amount of sand. The rapids are scattered along a distance of 6 miles, 

in which space there is a descent of 60 feet. About half of this amount is concentrated in 

the H miles between the falls and the old cable bridge or ferry below. As the topographicmap shows very high banks, fairly close together, a head of 25 feet or more may some day 

be developed here. The Chicago and Northwestern Railway is distant only 1.5 miles.

Between the above-described dam site and a point 2.5 miles below, the river descends 

27 feet. A point due south of Norway, Mich., and on the road leading from that city is 

probably the best location for the dam to develop this fall, hut even here a dam not less 

than 700 feet long would probably be required.

Menominee River descends but 6 feet between this point and the mouth of Sturgeon 

River. This may be considered a part of the Sturgeon Falls power.

STURGEON FALLS.

From below the mouth of Sturgeon River to a point just above Pemebonwon River, a 

distance of 10 miles, the drainage area increases from 2,934 square miles to 2,993 square 

miles. In this stretch are Sturgeon Falls, one-half mile below the mouth of Sturgeon 

River, in sec. 22, T. 38 N., R. 21 E., Wisconsin. These falls have high rock-ledge banks, 

with two pitches aggregating 13 feet. By backing the water a distance of about 3 miles 

this head could be increased to 15 feet. At the head of the falls the river narrow's to about 

200 feet, but at the foot it spreads out into a broad basin. In order to use the power it will 

probably be necessary to blast out a race in the rocks or build a flume and locate the mill 

at or near the foot of the rapids.

In the next 10 miles the river descends only 17 feet, with a fairly even grade, except for 

two or three small rapids. The largest of these, Nose Peak rapids, is about 1,000 feet 

long and descends about 4 feet.

-. PEMENA DAM AND RAPIDS.

A logging dam which, together with the adjacent rapids, gives a fall of 14 feet in a distance of a quarter'of a mile is located in sec. 24, T. 37 N., R. 21 E. The. Minneapolis, St. 

Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railway crosses the river 2k miles above the dam and passes 

within a fraction of a mile from it. The operation of a dam at this point for lumbering 

purposes greatly lessens the amount of available power. At the present rate of progress, 

however, this dam will be needed for logging only a few more years. It has been found 

elsewhere in the State that river logging, except for pine, can not compete with railroad 

transportation.

From below Pemebonwon River to a point just below Pike River, a distance of 18 miles, 

the drainage area increases from 3,156 square miles to 3,566 square miles. Pemena, Chalk 

Hill, and White rapids occur in this distance.

About a mile above the mouth of Pemebonwon River, in sec. 8, T. 36 N., R. 21 E., the 

Pemena rapids begin. They extend for a distance of about 2 miles, with a total descent 

of 20.2 feet.fl The river bed here is a mctamorphic slaty schist, and the location is said 

to be favorable for a dam site. The Wisconsin and Michigan Railway runs parallel to the 

river at this point and is only 2 miles distant, and the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. 

Marie Railway crosses the river a few miles above.

CHALK HILL RAPIDS.

In the 11 miles between the foot of Pemena rapids and the head of White rapids the river 

descends 38 feet, the grade being even except for three small rapids of from 3 to 6 feet eaich. 

Chalk Hill rapids, the most important of these three, are located in sec. 6, T .35 N., R. 21 E. 

They run over a slaty rock at a point said to be suitable, for a dam, and if developed in connection with other falls about half a mile above would give a total head of 8 feet or more.

a This statement is based on an accurate profile of the river, prepared by Mr. T. W. Orbison, C. E., 

from his actual surveys. The statement made in the Tenth Census, vol. i7, p. 61, that the total fall 

is 70 feet, is evidently an error.
54 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

WHITE RAPIDS.

Four miles above the mouth of Pike River, in sec. 19, T. 35 N., R. 21 E., are the White 

rapids. The bed of the river is said to be. gravel and bowlders, and the banks are high 

enough to give a head of 30 feet, thus developing the fall for 3 miles. Even above this 

limit the river descends 10 feet in 1 \ miles, as will be seen from the profile (p. 51). A head 

of 30 feet at ordinary low water would develop 5,350 theoretical horsepower.

From below Pike River to a point just above Little Cedar River, a distance of 25 miles, 

the drainage area increases from 3,566 to 3,792 square miles.

All the rapids thus far described have been over the pre-Cambrian crystalline rocks. In 

the next 28 miles the river crosses the Cambrian sandstone and "Lower Magnesian" limestone. No falls or rapids worthy of note occur until Grand rapids are reached, immediately 

above the mouth of Little Cedar River, in sec. 5, T. 33 N., R. 22 E. These rapids are caused 

by a descent over hard "Trenton" limestone, underlain by softer strata. They have a 

fall stated at 25 feet in a length of 3 miles, but of this fall only that in the lower 2 miles, 

amounting to 18 feet, can be cheaply developed. Both the Wisconsin and Michigan and 

the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railways pass within 2 or 3 miles of this site.

From below the mouth of Little Cedar River to the mouth of the Menominee, 23 miles, 

the drainage increases from 3,941 to 4,113 square miles.

TWIN ISLAND RAPIDS.

These rapids are situated about 7 miles below the Grand rapids and 16 miles from the 

mouth of the river. They extend for three-fourths of a mile and are said to descend 10 

feet. The two islands lie one below the other, dividing the river into east and west channels. The bed of the river is limestone, the banks are steep, and a dam could be built 

across each channel to the islands. The total length of such dams is estimated at about 

700 feet. A sawmill with a 6-foot head once occupied the east channel.

SCHAPPIES RAPIDS.

Located about 5 miles from the mouth of Menominee River, in T. 31 N. and between 

Rs. 22 and 23 E., Schappies rapids extend for a distance of about a mile. During the 

winter of 1897 a survey was made of these rapids by a competent engineer, Mr. C. B. Pride, 

at a time of extreme low water. He found a discharge of 2,370 second-feet and determined 

that a head of 18 feet could be economically obtained. This power belongs to the Menominee River Boom Company. The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway is located 

about 3 miles distant.

MARINETTE DAMS.

The last series of rapids is found at Marinette, Wis., near the mouth of the Menominee. 

The natural channel probably had about 12 feet descent here, but the Menominee River 

Boom Company built three dams, one above another, the upper one backing the water to 

the foot of Schappies rapids. The first of these dams, 850 feet long, located about 3 miles 

from the mouth of the river, in T. 30 N. and near the line between Rs. 23 and 24 E., develops a head of 7 feet.a Power is applied to two paper and pulp mills owned by the 

Marinette and Menominee Paper Company and also to a flouring mill. No statement of 

the turbine installation at the paper mills is made, but that at the flouring mill is 95 horsepower.

The third dam from the mouth is located on the west line of sec. 1, T. 30 N., R. 23 E. 

This dam is 940 feet long and has a head of 18 feet. The middle or second dam is located 

about a quarter of a mile below the third dam and is 700 feet long, with a head of 7 feet. 

It is used for boom purposes only. The Marinette and Menominee Paper Company mill

a Data regarding the Marinette dams furnished by the owners.
MENOMINEE EIVEE SYSTEM. 55

is located just below this dam, but it takes power through a canal from the third dam. Its 

turbines therefore work under a total head of about 24 feet.

The owners of these three dams state that each could be raised from 5 to 10 feet higher 

than at present.

TRIBUTARIES OT" MENOMTNEE RIVER.

The notable Wisconsin tributaries of Menominee River are Brule, Pine, Pemebonwon, 

and Pike rivers.

Brule River courses in a bed composed mostly of gravel and bowlders of the drift, and 

for this reason has few vertical falls, one of 10 feet being said to exist at its mouth. It is 

described as having a series of rapids or "strong water" for its entire length of 42 miles. 

Its total drainage area, including that of Paint River, is 1,044 square miles.

The following table gives a fairly complete profile of Brule River:

Profile of Brule River, Wisconsin, from Its mouth to we. 23, T. 41 N., R. 14 E.a

No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Station.

Distance 

From 

mouth.

Miles.

Brule, AVis. (0. & N. AY. bridge) .................' 7.0

i mile below section line 22-23, T. 41 N., R. 15 E . . 24,0

Center of bend E. | stake, see. 31, T. 41 X., R.

Between

Miles.

±17.0

15 E.......... ... ... 29.5 .1.4

i mile west of east line, sec. 24, T.41N., K. HE..... 31.0 ' 2.1

Above dam 800 feet east of 1 post, see. 22-23, T. 41

N., R. 14 E......................................

J mile last of section line 22-23, T. 41 N., R. 14 E ....

33.5 .4

35.5 ' 2.0

Descent beEleva- tween points.

above 

sea level. Total.

Feet. Feet.

1,411 151

1,468

1,490

1,507

1,520

20

37

09

Per

mile.

Feet.

8.8

3.7

18.0

14.0

17 42. 5

13 6.5

a Authority: No. 1, Chicago and Northwestern Railway; Nos.2 7, U. S. Geol. Survey.

Pine River, the largest tributary lying wholly in Wisconsin, has a total length of S3 miles 

and drains an area of 586 square miles.

In the first half mile from its mouth the current is very rapid h ; in the next 12 or 13 miles the fall is 

comparatively slight, and in the next 3 miles there are two falls of 8 feet each 1,000 feet apart, half a 

mile of strong water, succeeded by another fall of 12 feet, then, half a mile above, a fall of 40 feet. 

Sixty feet above this is a logging dam belonging to the Menominee River Improvement Company.6

The length of Pike River is 48 miles.

6 Tenth Census.
56 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

DAMS OX MEXOMINEE RIVER AXD TRIBUTARIES.

The location and height of dams on Menominee River and tributaries in Wisconsin are 

shown in the following table:

Damn on Menominee Rivet' and tributaries in Wisconsin.

tlon.

Menominee River: 

1.................................................................. 0

2.................................................................. 1

3. ......... '.. ...................................................... 32

Pike River: 

1.................. .............................................. 8

2.................................................................. 16

North Branch of North Branch Pike River. . ........................ 28

North Branch Pike River: 

1......... ..................................................... 32

2......................................... ......................... 20

South Branch Pike River: 

1 19

2.................................................................. 31

3.................................................................. 35

4.................................. ............................... 29

5............................................... .................. 17

Pine River: 

1 30

2.................................................................. 11

3......................................................... ......... 10

4 36

Brule River: 

1.................................................................. 5

2.................................................................. 19

3.................................................................. 15

Wheeler dam ..................................................... 23

Township.

30

30

31

37

35

35

37

36

36

35

36

36

36

36

39

39

39

40

40

41

42

41

Range.

23

22

21

21

20

18

20

. 20

20

19

18

18

18

18

15

14

13

17

16

13

14

Height 

of dam.

Feet.

14

12

9

.13

13

9

13

13

9

11

10

6

9

10

10

9

7

8

8

10

PESHTIGO RIVER.

In length, grade, shape, and size of drainage area Peshtigo River closely resembles its 

neighbor, the Oconto. It descends an average of nearly 10 feet to the mile, but few of 

its powers have as yet been developed, because this region is very thinly populated. The 

only powers reported are two at Peshtigo. A dam with a 10-foot head, owned by the Peshtigo Lumber Company, supplies the power for a sawmill, which has turbines of 1,390 horsepower installed. A flouring mill of .50 horsepower is also located at Peshtigo.

The next important development is a power known as " High Falls" in see. 1,T. 32 N., 

R. 18 E. In a distance of 165 feet the river descends 46 feet. A dam 1,000 feet long would 

increase this to 55 feet. In a recent report on this power by a competent engineer, it is 

stated that a dam 200 feet long 1^ miles above this point would create an immense reservoir. Both dam sites are on the pre-Cambrian rock, and the banks are of clay and sand.

A few miles below, in sec. 9, T. 32 N., R. 19 E., are the Grindstone Rapids, with a fall of 

25 feet. The banks at this point are said to be high and steep. The Wisconsin Geological 

Survey map shows a descent of 35 feet in sec. 10, T. 33 N., R. 18 E. A dam at Ellis Junction 

creates a large pond and furnishes a head of 12 feet, which was formerly used to run a sawmill. It is now proposed to increase this head to 24 feet and to use the power for a new 

pulp mill.
PESHTIGO AND OCONTO RIVERS. 57

Between Ellis Junction and the mouth the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul and the 

Chicago and Northwestern railways are, adjacent to the river, which is still being used for 

lumbering purposes. Besides the above-described dams, logging dams are located in sec. 

10, T. 33 N., R. 18 E., and in sec. 22, T. 34 N., R. 18 E., with heads of 10 and 8 feet, 

respectively. The following table shows the profile of the river:

Profile of Peshtigo River from its month to near North Crandon.

Station.

Peshtigo ..................................

Do....................................

Distance 

from 

mouth.

Miles.

18

+ 18

48

140

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

Feet.

594.7

019.7

G58.0

1,620.0

Authority.

Do.

Marie Rwy.

OCONTO RIVER. 

GENERAL ( OXDITIOXS.

Oconto River rises in a number of small lakes and swamps in the plateau region, at an 

elevation of about 1,530 feet above the sea. In its length of 87 miles it descends 945 feet. 

In the upper 35 miles of its course the river flows over the crystalline rocks, and here is 

found about two-thirds of its total fall. Upon leaving the crystalline rocks the river flows 

nearly due south for 20 miles over the Cambrian sandstones. At Underbill it turns abruptly 

and flows nearly due east, crossing the " Lower Magnesian " and "Trenton " limestones and 

joining Lake Michigan near Oconto. The profile of the river is shown in the following table:

Projile of Oconto Eiver, Wisconsin, from its mouth to Wabena.a

No.

1

3 

4

5 

6

7 

8

Station.

Chicago and Northwestern Railway bridge, 

Oconto .. .. ....... . .

Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway bridge,

Stiles .............................................

Distance.

From 

mouth.

Miles.

7 

13 

33 

44

GO 

03

87

Between 

points.

Miles.

0 

20 

11 

16 

3 

24

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

Feet.

581

590 

614 - 

770 

791 

916 

941 

1,52(5

Descent between points.

Total mUe. '

Feet.

9

24- 

156 

21 

125 

25 

585

Feet.

1.8 

4.0 

7.8 

1.9 

7.8 

8.3 

24.3

The most important powers are found in the last 33 miles of its course, in which distance 

the river descends 190 feet.

WATER POWERS.

The first dam above the mouth of the Oconto River is located at Stiles, in sec. 34,T. 28 N. 

R. 20 E.,where a dam 400 feet long, with 11-foot head, furnishes power for saw and pulp 

mills owned by the Anson Eldred Company. This company has installed turbines of 500

a Authority: Nos. 1 and 4-8, Chicago and Northwestern Railway; Nos. 2 and 3, Chicago, Milwaukee 

and St. Paul'Railway.
58 WATER POWEKS OP NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

horsepower. It is reported that by constructing a dike about 450 feet long the head could 

be increased to 18 feet.

OCONTO FALLS.

The most important concentration of fall on the river, about 100 feet, occurs in the "Lower 

Magnesian" limestone at Oconto Falls, in sec. 25, T. 28 N., R. 19 E. A dam owned by 

the Falls Manufacturing Company has a head of 37 feet and supplies power for a large paper 

and pulp mill. The company has installed turbines rated at 1,370 horsepower, besides 

400 steam horsepower. About a quarter of a mile farther up is located a dam of 19-foot 

head, which furnishes power for a large pulp mill, belonging to the Union Manufacturing 

Company. Seven turbines rated at 940 horsepower are installed. These run twenty-four 

hours every day except Sunday. Only half a mile below the Falls Manufacturing Company's dam are some important rapids, where an excellent power is available. It is estimated that a dam 250 feet long would develop a head of nearly 40 feet. This power is 

owned by E. A. Edmonds, who has a charter for a dam at this point with a head of 27.5 

feet. The Chicago and Northwestern railway furnishes excellent shipping facilities at all 

the Oconto Falls powers described above.

PULCIFER DAM.

The last dam used for power purposes is located in sec. 6, T. 27 N., R. 18 E., and furnishes 

power for a gristmill. It is also used for logging purposes.

MISCELLANEOUS POWERS

The following table gives the location and extent of the most important developed and 

undeveloped water powers on the Oconto River:

Water powers on Oconto River.

No.

1

o

3 

4

fi

8

g

10

13

14

15

1fi

17

18

19

20

?1

m

23

Location.

DEVELOPED POWERS.

Stiles, soc. 34, T. 28 N., R. 20 E ................ 

Oconto Falls, sec. 25, T. 28 N. , R. 19 E ........ 

Oconto Falls, sec. 26, T. 28 N., R. 19 E ........ 

Pulcifer, sec. 0, T. 27 N., R. 38 E ..........

Sec. 25, T. 31 N., R. 1C E.....................

Sec. 4, T. 31 N., R. 1C E. .....................

Sec. 23, T. 32 N., R. 1C E.....................

Sec. 30, T. 33N..R. 17 E. ....................

Sec. 5, T. 33 N., R. 10 E. .....................

Sec. 1, T. 33 N., R. 15 E. .....................

Sec. 11, T. 32 N., R. 1C E .....................

Sec. 34, T. 33N.,R. 16 E. ....................

Sec. 30, T. 33 N., R. 16 E. ....................

Sec. 27, T. 33N..R. 15 E. ....................

Sec. 18, T. 31 N..R. 17 E. ....................

Sec. 33, T. 32 N., R. 17 E. ....................

Sec. 21, T. 32 N., R. 17 E. ....................

Sec. 23, T. 30 N., R. 16 E................ .....

Sec. 16, T. SON., R. 16 E. ....................

UNDEVELOPED POWERS.

Oconto, sec. 23, T. 28 N., R. 21 E ............

Sec. 34, T. 28 N., R. 18 E .....................

Sec. 23, T. 31 N., R. 16 E. ....................

Estimated 

head.n

Feet. 

11 

37 

. 19

12

10

10

12

10

10

10

10

12

10

10

10

10

6

12

40

15

20

H. P. installed.

500 

1,370 

940 

45

Use.

Saw and pulp mill. 

Paper and pulp mill. 

Pulp mill.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

a, The first four heads are reported by owners; the remainder are estimated by Mr. W. A. Holt, of the 

Holt Lumber Co., Oconto.
WATER POWERS OF NORTHEBN WISCONSIN. 59

WOLF RIVER SYSTEM. 

GKNEUAL, CONDITIONS.

Wolf River rises in a number of lakes about 25 miles south of the Michigan boundary and 

flows in a general southerly direction, entering upper Fox River at a point about 10 miles 

west of Lake Winnebago. Though nominally a branch of Fox River, it is in reality the 

master stream, having over three times the discharge. Wolf River receives all its important 

tributaries from the west and at points relatively near its mouth. It has been elsewhere 

noted (p. 64) that there is much evidence that the river formerly ran west and joined Mississippi River through the present Wisconsin River Valley between Portage and Prairie du 

Chien.

In the upper half of its course Wolf River has formed its bed in the pre-Cambrian crystalline rocks, and in this distance the descent of the river is very rapid. At the Chicago and 

Northwestern railway crossing, 2 miles west of Lenox, the river has an elevation of 1,562 

feet above the sea. In the 80 miles between this point and Shawano the river descends 774 

feet, or 9.7 feet per mile. This steep gradient causes many rapids and falls. Lumbering dams have been maintained on the upper river at the following points:" Sec. 9, T. 33 N', 

R. 12 E.; Lilly dam, sec. 34, T. 33 N., R. 13 E.; sec. 10, T. 31 N., R. 14 E.; sec. 25, T. 31 N., 

R. 14 E., and at several other places lower down. In the 40 miles above Shawano small 

undeveloped powers of 10 to 15 feet head are of frequent occurrence.

Shawano, the head of navigation on the river, and county seat of Shawano County, has a 

population of 2,000. A dam is located at this point, with a head of 12 feet. It is used to 

grind wood pulp. Shawano also marks the point of transition from the pre-Cambrian to 

the Cambrian sandstone. It is at this point that the river crosses the old coast line of Lake 

Michigan and enters the region of red clay. Below Shawano the stream is sluggish, its 

descent being only about 42 feet to Lake Winnebago, a distance of about 80 miles. The 

banks are low, and in high water the surrounding flats are all covered, the river sometimes 

expanding at time of heavy freshets to several miles in width. For obvious reasons there 

can be no water powers in this lower region.

The profile of Wolf River for 160 miles of its course is shown in the following table:

Profile of Wolf River, Wisconsin, from mouth to near Lenox.

Station.

Distance 

from 

mouth.

Miles.

33

80 

160

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

Feet. 

746.4

749.5 

788.0 

1,562.5

Authority.

United States Krte'irteprs

Chicago and 

Do. 

Do.

Northwestern Railway.

Wisconsin Geological Survey maps.
60 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

RUN-GIT.

The following tables showing gage-height observations and discharge measurements at 

Winneconne and near Northport, tin Wolf River, are from data published by the United 

States Geological Survey:

Discharge measurements of Wolf River at Winneconne, TF/.<t., in 1903.

Date.

March 24. ....................

Mav 11

Hydrographer.

.....do........... ..................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.50 

5.30 

5.00 

6.60 

6.90

6.40

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

904 

l,43(i 

1,285 

9,998 

3,808

3,194

a River frozen.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Wolf River at Winneconne, Wis., January ] fo July 2'>,

1903.

Day.

2

4........... ................................ .

5..... ............ ...........................

6............................................

7............................................

Q

12...... .................................... ..

15............................................

17............................................

1 o

19

9Q

21............................................

22. ...........................................

23............................................

24. ...........................................

25. ...........................................

26. ...........................................

27. ...........................................

28. ...........................................

29. ...........................................

30. ...........................................

31............................................

Jan.

r £A

5.50

5.50

,r>. 50

5.50

5.50

c> 50

5.50 

5.50

5.50

5. 50

x r.f\

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.30

5.30

5.30

5.30

5.30

Feb.

5. 30

5. 20

.5.20

5.10

5. 10

5.10 

5. 10

5.10

5.00

"i 00

5 00

r> 00

4.90

4.90

4.90

4.90

4.90

4.80

4.80

4.80

Mar.

4 80

4 80

4 80

4 80

4 80

4.90

4 90

4.90

4.90

5.00

5.10 

5.25

5.30

5. 70

r> 00

6 00

6.30

6.40

fi.50

fi.60

fi.70

fi.80

6.90

fi.90

6.90

7.00

7.10

Apr.

7.10

7.20

7.10

7.10

7.10

7.05

6.90

6.80

7.10

7.00 

7.00

6.90

6 80

6 80

6 75

6.70

6.80

6.80

6.80

6.80

6.80

6.70

6.70

6.65

6.60

May.

6 60

6.70

a Q/|

6.80 

6.80

6.80

6.80

6.80

fi on

fi o/l

6.80

6.80

6.80

6.85

6.90

6.90

7.05

6.90

7 00

7 00

7 00

June.

7.00

6 SO

6. SO

6.85

6 80

6.80

6.70

6.70 

fi.60

6.00

fi.40

6.40

6.30

6.30

6.20

6.20

6.10

6.10

July.

6

OA

6.30 

6.30

6.30

6.30

6.40

6 40

6 40

6.30

6.30

6.20

6.20

6.10
WOLF RIYEK SYSTEM. 61

Discharge, measurement* of Wolf River near Northport, Wis., in 1905.

Date.

May 27........

Hydrographer.

S. K. Clapp.........................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

Width.

Feet. 

182

171

151

176

176

172

Area of 

section.

Square 

feet.

2,642

2,198

2,553

2,300

2,053

1,978

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per 

second.

2.64

1 fi

1.97

'1.69

1.26

1.41

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.03

4.65

6.42

5.06

3.01

3.6

Discharge.

Secondfeet.

6,965

3,964

5,032

3,885

2,594

2,781

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Wolf River near Northport, Wis., April 6 to December

30, 1905.

Day. 

1.............. .............

0

5.................. ........

7.----...-.----.-.--.-..-...

8...........................

9..... .... ... ......

10.... .............. ........

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16...........................

17.-..-...--....--....-..,.-.

18. .................... ......

IP

20. ..........................

21...........................

22. ..........................

24

25... ........................

26...........................

°7

28.--.. . ................... ..

29...........................

30

31...........................

Apr.

:...:..

6.90

6.80

6.70

6. 60

6.50

6.40

6.30

6.10

6.00

5.60

5.50

5.20

5.20

4.90

4.80

4.80

4.30

4.10

4.00

3.80

3.60

3.50

3.50

3.40

May. 

3.40

3. 60

3.80

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.60

4.80

4.80

5.00

5.00

5.20

5.60

5.80

5.60

5.50

5.30

5.30

5.20

5.00

4.80

4.60

4.60

4.80

5.00

5.00

4.60

4.30

5.40

5.60

5.80

June. 

6.00

5.00

5.00

4.90

4.60

5.60

5.40

5.30

5.80

5.80

5.90

6.10

6.40

6.40

6.60

6.50

6.40

6.40

6.20

6.00

5.80

5.00

5.30

5.10

4.70

4.40

4.00

3.80

3.50

July. 

3.30

3.00

3.40

3.60

3.80

3.30

4.30

4.60

4.60

4.90

5.00

5.20

5.10

5.10

4.90

4.20

4.60

4.30

4 80

4.45

4.20

4.10

4.00

3.30

3.60

2.80

2.50

2.30

2.20

2.00

Aug. 

2.00

2.30

2.20

2.10

2.30

2.20

2.40

2.90

3.30

4.00

3.50

3.60

3.60

3.00

3.00

3.50

3.50

3.30

3.20

3.00

2.80

2.40

2.50

2.30

2.00

1.80

1.60

l.AO

1.20

1.10

1.00

Sept. 

1.60

2.40

2.60

2.20

3.10

3.40

3.60

3.30

3.60

3.80

3.50

2.80

2.50

2.70

2.90

2.80

3.00

3.40

2.90

2.80

3.70

3.40

3.25

3.10

2.90

2.75

2.35

Oct. 

1.55

1.40

1.35

1.30

1.15

1.10

.90

.85

.70

.65

.60

.50

.35

.10

.40

.75

.90

1.15

1.50

2.20

2.60

2.90

3.40

3.30

3.20

3.00

2.10

2.30

2.00

Nov. 

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.95

2.10

2.30

2.70

2.60

2.30

2.20

2.10

1.80

1.50

1.40

1.20

1.10

1.00

.90

Qfl

60

.40

.20

60

.80

Dec. 

1.70

1 60

1.40

1 60

1.75

1.80

1.90

2.00

1.90

1.95

1.80

1 60

1.40

1.20

1.20

1.10

1.00

1.00

1.00

.90

90

.50

.50

.40
62 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN. 

TRIBUTARIES OF WOLF RIVER.

The lower part of the Wolf River drainage area is more thickly settled than the upper, 

and as a result the tributaries which occupy this lower portion are rather fully developed. This 

is especially true of Embarrass, Little Wolf, and Waupaca rivers.

WATER POWERS.

The following table shows the water powers on Wolf River and its tributaries: 

Water powers on Wolf River and its tributaries.

Location and stream.

Mauowa, sec. 15, T. 23 N., R. 13 E., Little Wolf 

River.

Littlewolf, SPC. 34, T. 23 N., R. 13 K., Little 

Wolf River.

Wolf River. 

Phlox, sec. 2f>, T. 30N., R. 12 K., Red River. ....

snake Creek.

rass River.

Embarrass, sec. 5, T.25N., R.15E., Kmbarrass 

River.

barrass River.

barrass River.

Sec. 23, T. 28 N.,R.12 E., north branch of Embarrass River.

Pilla, sec. 9, T. 26 N., R. 14 E., Embarrass 

River.

barrass River.

Waupaca, sec. 32, T. 22 N., R. 12 E., Crystal 

River.

Waupaca, sec. 20, T. 22 N..R.12 E., Waupaca 

River.

City of Waupaca, Waupaca River. ............ 

Do.........................................

Shermaii, sec. 18, T.22 N.,R.ll E., Waupaca

River.

Weyauwega, sec. 4, T. 21 N., R. 13 E., Wa.upaca 

River.

Waupaca, Waupaca River .................... 

Amherst, Spring Creek ........................

Rural, sec. 10, T. 21 N., R. 11 E., Arbor Creek ... 

Gresham, sec. 3, T. 27N., R. 14 E., Red River. ..

Sec. 6, T. 27 N., R. 15 E, Rod River. ..........

Sec. 19, T. 27 N., R. 14 E., Red River. .........

Sec. 18, T. 28 N., R. 14 E., Red River.......... 

Sec. 15, T. 2fi N., R. 10 E., Little Wolf River .. 

Sec. 7, T. 25 N., R. 11 E., Little Wolf River . . .

Sec. 5, T. 24 N., R. 13 E., Little Wolf River ...

Sec. 9, T. 33 N., R. 12 E., Wolf River. . ........

Sec. 34, T. 33 N., R. 13 E., Wolf River .........

Sec. 10, T. 31 N., R. 14 E., Wolf River.........

Sec. 25, T. 31 N., R. 14 E., Wolf River .........

Owner and use.

Little Wolf River Lumber Co., grist, 

lumber, electric light.

Booth & Smith, grist, lumber, electric 

light.

J.I. Wralstatt, feed mill.... ..........

J. Kaufmaii, saw and planing mill ....

N . M. Edwards, sawmill .............

Decker & Beedle, lumber and planing 

mill.

L. A. Wcikel, saw, planing, and feed 

mill.

Grosskopt, saw and planing mill .....

burned. 

Waupaca woolen mills ...............

A. G. Nelson, planing and grist mill... 

Electric Light Co. ....................

Weed Gunnard, flour, planing, and 

electric light.

C . Gurines, brick manufacture ........ 

N . Howard, feed mill ................. 

J. Ashmun, flouring and saw mill. . ..

.....do................................

.....do................................ 

Little Wolf River Lumber Co., logging 

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

Head.

Feet. 

10

9

9

14

12

13

20

8 

9

13

16

13

$ 

6i 

18

7

10

8 

10 

9

7 

7

H. P.

390 

60

50

75 

44

75

50

115 

200

192

116

fiO

35 

65 

200

480

50 

20 

96

0 

0

0
WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN. 63

WISCONSIN RIVER SYSTEM. 

TOPOGRAPHY AXD DRAINAGE.

Because of its length, its great drainage area, and its central location Wisconsin Riyer is 

preeminently the main riyer of the State.

Like the Flambeau, the headwaters of Wisconsin Riyer are found in an intricate network 

of lakes and swamps occupying the flat plateau region near the northern boundary. Its 

extreme source is found in Lake Vieux Desert, a body of water about 10 square miles on the 

line separating the northern peninsula of Michigan from Wisconsin, at about 1,6.50 feet 

aboye sea level. The general course of the river for the first 300 miles is south. At a point 

near Portage it turns abruptly westward, and in the next 100 miles flows nearly west, joining 

Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien, only 40 miles from the southern boundary of the State.

The drainage basin includes 12,280 square miles, with an average width of 50 miles and a 

length of about 225 miles. The apportionment of this drainage area among the several 

tributaries of Wisconsin River is shown in the following table:

Distances and drainage areas of Wisconsin River.

River.a

Distt

From 

source.

Miles.

85

113

138

184

259

292

mee.

Between

stations.

Miles.

60

0

25

28

23

0

2

20

0

S

IS

64

0

11

33

115

Drainage 

area 

above 

station.

Sg. milcx.

940

1,202

2.111

2,697

3,192

3,690

4,114

4,2(i8

4. 845

5.005

5.300

6.448

7,394

8,172

 9,095

12,280

a Station is at mouth of river unless otherwise stated.

Because of its long traverse from the extreme northern to the extreme southwestern part 

of Wisconsin the topography of the basin includes nearly every form found in the State. 

Like the upper Chippewa Valley, the northern half is a densely wooded region of hard and 

soft timber except where cleared for farming. The woods gradually give way to a semiprairie region with a gently undulating surface, but with occasional decided ridges both of 

rock and glacial origin. A very striking surface feature toward the southern part is found 

in the " Baraboo quart/ite" ranges, which have an elevation of from 400 to 700 feet above the 

surrounding country. These ranges comprise two main ridges from 4 to 6 miles apart, 

extending nearly east and west in the section of country west of Portage for about 25 miles, 

but uniting and ending abruptly on the west side of the valley, near Portage. The angle of 

the river at this point seems due to its effort to secure a passage around this rock barrier.

Through a portion of the city of Portage and southward, the river can hardly be said to 

have an eastern divide. Fox River approaches within 1-1 miles of the Wisconsin at this point, 

only a low marsh intervening. Even this marsh has a slope of about 3 feet toward Fox 

River. At the present time levees at this and other points prevent the Wisconsin at times 

of high water from overflowing into Fox River. These levees for a distance of several miles 

compel the river to flow along the contour instead of in the direction of maximum slope.
64 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

The reasons for this and other peculiarities of its valley are interestingly diseussed in Geology 

of Wisconsin, (vol. 3):

It is evident that such an uncertain divide as this can not have formed one of the original permanent 

features of the drainage of the region, hut as the disposition of the surface soil is due to glacial action, 

modified hy subsequent erosion and transportation, this may be fairly attributed to such a cause. The 

rampart of limestone which compels the lower Wisconsin to flow west does not stop south of Portage, 

but continues east and north, although less prominent, forming an eastern harrier to the flow of the 

Wolf River. The course of the upper Fox to Lake Winnebago is sluggish, consi sting largely of ma rshes 

and lake-like expansions. On account of the depression of the divide at Portage, the continuation of the 

southern harrier northeast, the small slope of the upper Fox, the large trough of the Wisconsin below 

Portage, which it is unable to occupy, while above the river is more nearly in proportion to its channel 

of drainage, and finally the evidently modern outlet for the AVolf and the upper Fox through the lower 

Fox the conclusion is reasonable, if not inevitable, that at one time the Lake Winnebago system 

drained southwest into the Mississippi and the Wolf was the true continuation of the Wisconsin above 

Portage, while the present upper Wisconsin was merely a tributary of the main stream.

LAKE ELEVATIONS AXD RESERVOIIl SITES.

Attention has elsewhere been called (p. 15) to the opportunity of increasing the lowwater flow of the northern rivers hy the construction of dams near the headwaters for use as 

reservoirs. The opportunity for such a system on Wisconsin River is especially good, 

because the ownership of the lands to be flooded is in the hands of a comparatively few 

corporations and a beginning has already been made. For example, a well-built dam at the 

foot of the Tomahawk chain of lakes, which impounds water covering many square miles of 

reservoir, has been used for several years to regulate the stage of the river for the mills 

below the mouth of the Tomahawk. In scores of cases the dams are already constructed 

for logging purposes and need only to be kept in repair to be of service for power regulation 

when they are no longer needed for their original purpose, as will soon be the case.

It has been proposed to build or maintain dams at the following points: Lake Vieux 

Desert, sec. 17, T. 42 N., R. 11 E.; Twin Lakes, see. 19, T. 41 N., R. 11 E.; Eagle Lakes, 

sec.31,T. 40 N., R. 10 E.; Sugarcamp Lakes, sec. 17, T. 39 N., R. 9 E.; Buckataban Lakes, 

sec. 24, T. 41 N., R. 9 E.; Little St. Germain Lake, sec. 2, T. 39 N., R. 8 E.: Big St. Germain 

Lake, sec. 18, T. 39 N., R. 8 E.

At many if not most of the larger lakes near the headwaters, logging companies have long 

maintained dams, which some day will serve the, double purpose of reservoirs and sources of 

power. A list of some of these lakes, together with their elevation above the sea, as determined by United States engineers, is given in the following table:

Lakes at headwaters tributary to Wisconsin Rhvr.

Name of lake. At headwaters of 

[Elevation

above 

sea level.

Long

Fish

Stone 

Dog

Mud

g

id .......................

wasogan. ................

.....do............ ............................... .^...........

.....do........................................................

.... .do ........................................................

.....do........................................................

.....do........................................................

.....do........................................................

.....do........................................................

.....do........................................................

1,5

1,5

1.5

1,5

1,5

1,5

1,5

1,5

1,5

1,5

-rel .....................

.....do..................................... .................

.....do.......................................................

feet,

1,582.0

1,583.0

1,583.5

1,592.2

1,592.2

1,592.2

1.592.2

1,592.2

1,592.2

1,592.2

1,590.0

1,562.2

1,560.4

1,560.4

1,553.4

1,542.9
WOLF EIVEE SYSTEM. 65

The following table a gives dimensions and other data of eight reservoir sites surveyed by 

United Stat'-s engineers as an aid to navigation on Mississippi River:

Proposed United State* Government reservoirs on Wisconsin River.

Name.

c

Pelican.. ...... 

Sugarcamp. . .. ] 

Otter rapids. .. i 

Tomahawk. .. . 

Squirrel- ......

Twin Lakes ... 1

Location.

7. EH

6 36 N . 

7 39 N . 

6 40 N . 

7 39 N . 

1 3N N . 

9 35 N .

7 42 N.

9 41 N .

:.'

w

9 E . . 

9 E . . 

9 E . . 

fi E . . 

5 E . . 

6 E .. .... ..

j3 3 

S ^

2

Feet. 

1,520.83 

1.562.00 

1,578.07 

1,554.67 

1,521.78

HE.

11 E .

 Maximum dimensions.

Dai

+^ be

11.

fo

3 w

Dili e.

S W

800 

235 

1.300 

190 

315 

1,100

28 

12.5

12

17 

14

3,625 

260 

700

15 

4

.............

Reservoir.

cT

iS^.mf. 

13.45 

5. 00 

30.74 

13.46 

5.30 

6.00 

7.00 

6.50

87.45

'o

oS 

P< 

oS

Cubicfeet. 

5,153,180,527 

1,356,284,160 

7,389,727,488 

2,226,113,036 

1,338.163,200 

1.043,516,880 

400,000,000 

650,000.000

of Areawatershed.

Sq. mi. 

301.0 

60.0 

447.0 

101.5 

uti.O 

39fi.O 

19.0 

30.0

19,556,985,291 1,410.5

Subsequent to this report two of these dams, at Rhinelander (Pelican) and Tomahawk, 

have been constructed by private enterprise for power purposes; several others have been 

constructed with reduced heads. It will be noted that the proposed Government reservoirs have a total area of 87.45 square miles and a drainage area of 1,410J square miles. 

It was proposed to fill the reservoirs during the spring freshets and then allow the water to 

escape at times of low water. The United States engineers estimated that these reservoirs 

would maintain a flow of 3,000 second-feet for three months of the year. Such a flow would 

nearly double the present low-water flow of the river and its resulting water power. Incidentally the use of such reservoirs would to a large extent serve to reduce the dangers of 

high floods, both to dams and to overflowed lands. It would, in fact, tend to restore the 

regimen of the river to that which it possessed before deforesting and cultivation began 

to transform a great primeval forest region into cleared and well-cultivated fields.

PROFILE.

According to the United States engineers, the elevation of Lake Vieux Desert is about 

1,650 feet, while the elevation of the mouth of Wisconsin River at Prairie du Chien is 604 

feet at low water or 625 feet at high water. This gives a total descent of about 1,046 feet 

in an estimated length of 429 miles, or about 2j feet per mile. About 634 feet of this fall 

occur in the 150 miles between Rhinelander and Nekoosa, an average of 4.23 feet per mile. 

This descent is concentrated at many places, producing a large number of valuable water 

powers, many of which have been improved and used by important industries.

The fall in the main tributaries is even greater in many cases than that in the parent 

stream, and owing to this fact, and also to the absence of lake,s and swamps, it is likely 

that their discharge is subject to great extremes.

« Kept. Chief Eng. U. S. Army, 1880, p. 1655.

156 oe
66 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

A statement in detail of the profile of Wisconsin River is given in the following table: 

Profile of Wisconsin River jrom its mouth to Lake Vieux Desert.a

No.

1

o 

3

4 

5

6

7

8 

9

10

11

12 

13

14

15

16

17

18 

19

20 

21 

22 

23 

24

25 

26

28 

29 

30 

31

G.J

33

34 

35

36 

37

Station.

Sec. 36, T. 15 N., R. 5 E., north line.. .............

Nekoosa dam:

Port Edwards dam:

South Centralia dam:

Grand Rapids dam:

Biron dam:

Lower paper mill south of Stevens Point:

Upper paper mill south of Stevens Point:

Knowlton bridge, Chicago, Milwaukee and St. 

Paul Rwv- ......................................

Sec. 8, T. 2fi N., R. 7 K ............................

Mosinee rapids, foot, sec. 29. T. 27 N., R. 7 E.,

Wausau dam:

Brokaw dam:

Crest. .........................................

Distance.

From Between 

mouth. points.

Miles.

90. 0 

102.0 

11S.O 

138.0 

147.0 

174.0

208.0

212.5

214.0

216.5

233.0

233.5

..........

236.0 

240.0

257. 0 

260.5 

264.5

266.0 

266.5 

270.5 

274.0 

279.0 

280.5 

 283. 0

283. 5

289.0

Miles.

90.0 

12.0 

16.0 

20.0 

9.0 

27.0

34.0

4.5

1.5

2.5

4.0

12.5

.5

........

2.5 

4.0

17.0 

3.5 

4.0

2.0 

.5 

4.0 

3.5 

5.0 

1.5 

2.5

.5

5.5

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

Feet. 

604. 0 

746. 0 

764.0 

790.0 

814.0 

833.0 

875.3

918.0 

935.6

938. 5 

955.5

957.3 

or.Q i

979.8

1,005.5 

1,016.3

1,032.4 

1,044.0

1,045.5 

1,058.8 

1,063.8 

1,075.8

1,092.2 

1,097.4 

1,104.0

1,105.8 

1,124.6 

1,125.9 

1,130.6 

1,138.6 

1,142.8 

1,151.0

1,171.0 

1,177.7

1,182.7 

1.194.7

Descei

tween ;

Total.

Feet.

142.0 

18.0 

26.0 

24.0 

19.0 

42. C

43.6 

17.7

1.9

17.0

1.8

10.5 

02 2

3.5

10.8

16.1 

11.6

1.5 

13.3 

4.0 

13.0

16.4 

5.2 

6.R

1.8

18.8 

1.3 

4.7 

8.0 

4.2 

8.2

20.0

6.7

5.0 

12.0

it bejoints.

Per 

mile.

Feet.

1.5 

1.5 

1.63 

1.2 

2.1 

I. SI

1.28

.4

1.2

4.2

.9

1.3

3.0

1.6 

3.2

.97 

1.5 

1.65

.9 

37.6 

.3 

1.34 

1.6 

2.8 

3.3

40.0

.9

<f Authority: Nos. 1 (low-water elevation) and 53-57, United States engineers; 2 and 3, Major Warren; 

4-35, Wisconsin water-power survey by the U. S. G. S. and State authorities; 36-52, levels run by C. B. 

Pride in 1900 for the Wisconsin River Valley Advancement Association; 56, Chicago and Northwestern Ry.
WOLF EIVER SYSTEM. 67

Profile of Wisconsin River from its mouth to Lake Vieiix Desert Continued.

No. Station.

Merrill:

Tomahawk dam: 

Foot ......................... ................

Rhinelander dam:

Sec. 30, T. 41 N., R. 10 E .......................... 

Sec. 6, T. 41 N., R. 10 E ...........................

Dist

From 

mouth.

Miles.

298. 0

304.0

305. 0 

314.0 

318. 0 

319.5 

321.2 

320.7

328.7

344.7 

34().7 

351.7

357. 7

392. 7 

402. 7 

41(1.7 

429.0

a nee.

Between 

points.

Miles. 

9.0

6.0

1.0 

9.0 

4.0 

1.5 

1.7 

5.5

2.0

16.0 

2.0 

5.0

6.0

35.0 

10.0 

14.0 

12.3

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

Feet. 

1,212.7

1,214.7 

1,227.7 

1,233.7 

1,245.7 

1,272.2 

1.361.7 

1,370.7 

1,409.7

1,412.7

1,425.7 

1,449.4

1,464.8 

1,477.4

1 , 523. 2 

1,553.2

1,570.7 

1,592.7 

1,644.0 

1,650.0

Descent between points.

Total.

Feet. 

18.0

2.0 

13.0 

6.0 

12.0 

26.5 

89.5 

9.0 

39.0

3.0 

13.0 

23.7 

15.4 

12.6

45.8 

30.0

17.5 

22.0 

51.3 

± 6.0

Per 

mile.

Feet. 

2.0

.33

6.0 

1.3 

6.6 

6.0 

5.3 

7.1

1.5

1.48 

2.5 

7.6

.5 

2. 2 

3.fifi 

.5

GEOLOGY.

All that part of the Wisconsin River basin above Nekoosa, including over half the entire 

drainage, is underlain by pre-Cambrian rocks. North of Merrill this region has been 

covered so deeply by drift that the rock rarely outcrops except in the river bed. These 

rocks, by presenting a barrier to further erosion, cause numerous rapids; in fact, all the 

water powers, with but a single exception, « arc found in the pre-Cambrian area. Below 

Nekoosa the pre-Cambrian rocks give way to the softer Cambrian sandstone, the disintegration of which has made the bed of the river one succession of shifting sandbars, almost without interruption, to its mouth. North of Nekoosa this sandy belt rapidly narrows and, 

at Merrill, 90 miles above, almost entirely disappears, being replaced by the clayey loams 

and loamy clays. North of Tomahawk the clays are replaced again by sandy soils containing gravel and by bowlders and glacial drift. b In the 60 miles below the city of Tomahawk 

the tributaries of Wisconsin River flow mainly through a clayey-loam soil, except for a 

narrow strip adjacent to the main stream, where, as before stated, the sandy soil predominates.

RAINFALL AX1> I?r

The United States Geological Survey has maintained regular gaging stations at Necedah 

and Merrill since November, 1902. As the rainfall during 1904 was very close to the average 

rainfall for the past thirty years, the run-off data for this year are especially valuable.

" Kilbourn, in the Cambrian sandstone.

b Weidman, Samuel, Wis. Geol. Nat. Hist. Survey, Bull. 11, pi. 1.
68 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Rainfall records for this drainage area are given elsewhere in this report. The following 

tables give the run-ofl' data:

Discharge measurements of Wisconsin Rirer near Necedah, Wis., in 1902,190,1,1904, and 1905.

Date.

1902.

1903.

October 12.........

1904.

May 11

Hydrographer. Width, ^of ^ M^n _

.....do.......

.....do.......

.....do.......

.....do..............................

Square 

Feet. feet.

Fee t per 

second.

.....do.......

.....do.......

.....do.......

.....do.......

.....do.......

.....do.......

E. Johnson, ; 

do

July 10. ............ E. Johnson, jr........ ..............

1905.

June 12

F. \V. Hanna. . .-. .

.....do...... .......................

M. T/. Brennon

280 2,617 

284 2,360 

284 2,411 

........ 5,405

220 4,206 

309 3, 860 

281 3, 282 

316 4, 708 

302 2, 832 

276 2, 463 

314 3,871

286 ' 2,031 

317 ' 4,685 

314 3,717 

294 3,525 

294 1,823 

449 6, 216

317 4, 437 

437 6,017 

314 3,846

1.18 

1.26 

1.09 

3.94 

2.42 

1.84 

1.79 

4.43 

2.46 

2.05

1.33 

3.65

2.67 

1.66 

2.08 

5.71

5.07 

3.23 

4.99 

2.4

Gage Disheight. charge.

SecondFeet, feet.

4.90 3,875 

5.40 3,534

5.65 2,840 

5.80 2,585 

5.80 2,422 

11.05 ! 21,280 

7.55 10,190 

6.50 7,123 

. 6.00 5,888 

10. 50 20, 860 

6. 20 6, 962 

5.30 5,047 

9.43 12,500

1 4. 60 3, 000

9.60 17,110 

7.05 , 9,921 

5.80 5,845 

4.92 3,800 

13.35 634,420

12. 33 29, 290 

7.65 13,350 

12.9 30.050 

6. 85 9, 268

NOTE. Width is the actual width of water surface, not including piers. Area of section is the 

total area of the measured section, including both moving and still water. 

« Frozen. & Add to this discharge 3,000 second-feet overflow.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Wisconsin Hirer near Necedah, Wis., December 2, 1902, to 

December 31, 1905.

1902.

[ Dec. Jan. Feb.

1 ............. 5. 90 5.75

2.............. 4.9

3 49

4.............. 5.1

5.............. 4.8

6.............. 4.7 

7..............; 4.7 

S..............' 4.3

9.........---.-' 4.8 

10...... ........ 5.2 

11.............. 5.2 

12............... 5.4 

13...........-..' 5.2

14...----.-...-. 5.3

0 5. 90 5. 70 

5 5. 80 5. 90 

0 5. 75 5. 80 

5 5. 60 5. 75 

5 5. 70 5. 90 

0 i 5. 05 ,5.80 

0 5.45 5.70 

j 5.60 .60 

5 5. 50 . 80 

0 5. 45 . 75 

0 5. 50 . 65 

5 5. 65 5. 90 

0 5. 75 5. 80

1903.

Mar. Apr. May. June. July. Aug.

5.75 7.70 6.65 10.55 4.70 ' 4.80 

5.60 7.55 8.30 9.85 4.60 4.95 

5.85 7.35 9.35 8.85 7.70 4.75 

5.80 7.50 9.75 8.15 8.90 4.80 

5. 75 7. 40 9. 95 7. 60 10. 10 4. 85 

5.80 7.25 , 10.15 7.40 10.00 5.65 

5. 90 7. 15 ' 10. 05 7. 15 10. 60 0. 65 

5.50 7.20 9.70 6.85 10.00 7.75 

5. 50 7. 10 9. 30 6. 6-5 9. 70 8. 00 

6.25 7.25 ' 8.80 6.55 8.40 7.70 

6.40 7.05 8.25 6.20 7.80 7.50 

7. 05 6. 90 8. 15 6. 00 7. 50 7. 20 

7. 65 6. 80 8. 45 6. 15 7. 10 6. 90 

6.75 6.75 9.05 5.85 6.70 6.70

a River frozen December 13 to 31.

Sept. Oct. ' Nov. Dec.

5.20 7.10 ' 5.70 5.60 

5.50 6.60 5.55 6.20 

5.40 6.80 5.70 6.90 

5.30 6.80 5.75 7.10 

5.30 7.05 5.55 6.80 

5. 40 8. 30 5. 45 6. 80 

5.60 9.05 5.30 6.60 

6. 10 | 8. 95 ' 5. 50 6. 70 

6. 10 9. 15 5. 35 6. 50 

6.80 9.80 5.30 6.40 

7.30 9.80 5.25 6.30 

7.30 9.35 5. 30 ' 6.00 

7. 20 8. 90 5. 30 , a 4. 10 

8.60 8.30 5.30 4.40
WOLF RIVER SYSTEM. 69

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Wisconsin Hirer near Necedah, Wis., December 2, 1902, 

to December 31, 19l>-~> Continued.

Day. Dec. Jan.

15.............. 5.35 5.45

10. ............. 5.65

17--......--.... 1 5.65

IS.............. 5.30

19..............' 5.50

Feb.

5.75

5. 80 5. 6.5

5.05

5. 55

5. 45

20.............. 5.45 5.75

22.............. 5. 30 5.55

23.............. 5.40 5.85

24.............. 5.60 ' 5. 80

25.............. G.40 5.80

20.............. 6.30 5.65

.5 S.5

28. ............. 6. 15 5. 80

29.............. 6.05

30.-...-..-..... 6.20

5 70

5. SO

31.............. 6.00 5.80

5.65

5. 55

5.70

5.70

5. 0.5

5. 55

5.70

5. 65

5.05

5. 70

5.85

Mar.

7 .30

7.75

8.35

8 .70

Apr.

6.80

6.9.5

7.

10.00

11.40

12.70

13. 55

12. 85

11

10

25

10

6.90

50

May.

9.80

June.

5.

10. 10 5

9.

9.

g

8.

-

6.' 55 7.

6.

G.

30

20

7.

7.

.80 6.05 ' 7.

10.90

9.35

if

95

.50

0.10

35

6.50

g 85

6.60

8 00

Day. Jan. Feb. Mar.

i.............. « 0.00 5. in

2... ......... 5.70 5.20

3.............. 5.90 5.10 5.

4............. 5.00 5.00

5.............. 0.00 _. .5 20 ...

30

30

30

5. 30

r

6.............. 0.00 5.20 5.

7.-.---...-.... 5.90 5.20 5.

8.............. 6.10 5.00 5.

9....-..---.... 6.10 5.20

10.............. G.OO 4.90

11.............. 5.90

12.............. 5.10

13. -.....---.... 5. 10

.5.10

5.20

5. 10

.5.

5.

5.

5.

5.

30

30

30

40

40

30

30

30

30

14.............. 5.20 5.20 ' 5.20

15.............. 5.20 5.10

16.............. 5.30 5.20

5.

.5.

17.............. 5.20 5.20 5.

18.............. 5.10 5.10 5.

19.............. 5.30 5.10 5.

21.............. 5. 20 5.10

22.............. 5.20

23. ............. 5. 20

24.............. 5.10

25.............. 5.00

26. ............. 5.10

27.............. 5.00

28.............. 5.10

29.............. 5.20

31.............. 5.10

5.10

5. 10

5. 10

5. 20

5.30

5. 40

5. 20

5.10

4.

5.

5.

30

20

20

20

10

00

90

00

00

4.80

5.00

5.

5.

5.

00

20

20

5.20

5.

50

80

Apr.

66.00

G. 30

0. 50

0.90

6.80

7.00

7.20

7. 50

7.90

8. SO

9. SO

9.80

9.40

8. -o

8.30

7. 70

7.30

7.50

7

7.

7.

70

70

7.50

7.00

8.00

9.30

10.30

10.90

10. 70

7.

90

35

70

30

95

90

75

4.5

35

GO

8. 70

9. 5.5

10. 5.5

5.

5.

-

5.

-

70

45

35

00

45

-O

15

4.90

5.

4.

4.

4.

4

4. . _

20

95

70

80

80

70

4. 85

11.00

May.

9..-«0

9.20

8.90

8 40

7

7

7

80

40

40

90

9.50

10.50

10.50

June.

11 <>n

10.00

9.10

8 60

.10

9.00

9.90

10.50

10. 50

9

9

SO

00

8.30

7

9.90 7

9.40 7

9.20

9.00

8.50

8.00

7

7

7

7

7

8

9

10

11

12

70

40

20

10

00

50

10

40

60

90

GO

30

G

G

G

G

G

80

50

20

80

90

70

50

Of)

5.90

5.80

6

5

20

70

0.00

5

G

5

f

70

10

80

10

Ju

0. 55

°5

G.OO

G. 10

G.

5.

5.

5.

5.

4.

4

July.

6._. 30

0.50

G. 50

6.30

TI °n

0.30

C.OO

5

0

90

10

0.30

0.40

0. 80

7

7

10

00

0. .50

5.90

90

00

90

GO

40

20

30

30

00

10

00

90

SO

Aug

0.70

G 40

0.20

0. 40

G 10

5.70

5 90

5.40

5.10

5.10

5.40

5.20

5.30

5.20

5.00

5 00

Aug.

4,50

4

4

4

4

4

4

70

90

80

70

70

30

40

4.80

4

5

5

5

5

90

30

30

40

30

5. 30

5

5. 80 i 5

5.50

5.80

 ^ »;n

5.00

5.30

5.00

4.80

4.50

4.80

4.90

4.80

4.70

4 sn

4 70

5

5

4

70

00

10

00

00

00

70

5.10

4.80 ,

4

4

5

5

4

r

4

90

90

00

90

60

on

70 .

. Sept.

10.90

12.50

13.40

14. GO

14 GO

14. GO

12.70

11.40

10. GO

9.90

8.70

I o 1 c

7.95

7.65

7.55

|

Sept.

4 80

Oct.

7.90

7.55

7.25

G. 95

7.00

G. 55

6.40

G.40

6.30

0.10

6. 05

5. 95

6.00

5.80

Oct.

I

G GO ,

4. 80 6. 45

4. 80 G. 20

4.80

5.80

G. 30

5. 90

0.10

r no

G.OO

5.90

G. 30

5. 70 G. 42

5. 70 G. 70

5. 30

5. 70

5. 30

5. 50

5. GO

4.90

5.20

5.30

8.40

10.10

12.00

13.20

13.00

11.90

10.30

9.40

5. 90 9. 00

4.80

4.90

o Ar\

7.90

8.00

4. 80 8. 50

4.70

4.85

8.50

8.30

4. 80 8. 30

0. 70

7.40

7.40

7 00

7.90

7.60

7.50 ,

7 4f> '

...... 7. 00

Nov. Dec.

5.35

5.35

4.90

4.90

5.00

5. 05

4. 95

5.20

5. 20

4.50

4.00

4.40

5.00

4.80

4.90

4.90

4.80

4.70

5. 05 4. 70

5.15

5.00

5.40

4 90

4.80

4.90

4.90

Nov. Dec.

7. 10 4 SO

6. 90

6.60

6.70

G. 40

4.80

4.80

(< )

6. 10 ......

0.10 ......

0.00 '......

G. 10 5. 10

5.90 ......

5. 20

5. 50

5.50 ......

5.60 ......

5.80

5. 50 5. 50

5.30 ......

4.80 ......

5.00

5. 30

5. 40

5.30

4.90

5. .50

5. 10

4.80

5.00

5.00

6.00

6.00

a River frozen January 1 to March 31. Ice, average thickr.r ss, 10 inches.

6 Ice conditions April 1 to 12.

c Eiver frozen December 4 to 31. Ice 1 foot to 2 feet thick.
70 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Wisconsin River near Necedah, Wis., December 2,1902, to 

December 31, 190.5 Continued.

Day.

1905. 

1..... .........

2..............

3.............. 

4.............. 

5..............

6..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15.............. 

10.............. 

17..............

18..............

19.............. 

20..............

21.......... ...

oo

23..............

05

26..............

27..............

28.............. 

29. ............. 

30.............. 

31..............

Jan.

(a)

G.OO

C.OO

6.00

Feb.

(a)

6. 00

G.OO

Mar.

(a)

5.70

6.15

5.00

5.00

5 30

5. GO

6. SO

7.10

8.30 

9.30 

10.70

Apr.

13.30

13.30

12.80 

12.40 

11.90

11. (10 

11. SO

11.90

11.40

10. GO 

f) 90

9.30 

9.00

8. 60

8.40 

8.00

7.50

7.10 

G.70

G. (10

G. 30

G.OO

G. 15

G.OO 

5.95 

5.90

May.

5.95

G. 10

G. 10 

G. 00 

G.OO

G. 50 

G. GO

G. 70

G.90

7.00

7 00

7.50 

S.30

8.50

8.30 

8. GO 

9 30

9.80

9. SO 

9.70

8. 30

7.70

7.10

7.00 

6.70 

G.SO 

6. GO

June.

G. 50

6.40

G.-40 

G. 30 

7.70

8.30 

11.00

12.50

15.00

17.00 

i fi on

13.00 

11.90

11.50

11.20 

10.40 

9.70

9.50

9. GO 

11.20

12.40

11.00

q go

8.80

8.30

8.00

7.80 

7.40 

7.00

July.

7.30

7.30

7.50 

7. 50 

7.50

8.10 

8.60

9.10

8.70

8.30 

7. GO

7.40 

7.00

G. 60

6.70 

6.50 

6 30

6.50

6.30 

6.30

5.90

5.75

6.00

5.50

5.10 

5.30 

5. 10 

5 30

Aug.

5.30

5.20 

5.20 

5. GO

5.30 

5.40

6. 60

6.90

7.10 

6.70

6.50 

6.70

6.40

0.20 

5.90

5.90

5.80 

5.60

5.50

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.90

5.30

5. 00 

5.80 

5.70 

5.70

Sept.

6.00

6.20 

G.OO 

6. 10

6.10 

G.55

G.20

5.70

5. GO

K Xfl

5.30 

5.40

5.50

5.50 

5.30

5.50

6. 90 

7.40

8.20

8.40

7.20

6.80

6.50

6.00 

5.90 

6.00

Oct.

G 00

5.70

5. GO 

5.50 

5.40

5.40 

5.40

5.40

5. 30 

5.00

4.90

4.70

5.10 

5.10 

5.30

5.30

5. GO 

5.60

6.70

6.80

6.70

6. GO

6.40 

G.20 

G 20 

G.OO

Nov.

5.50

5.30 

5.40 

5.50

5.40

5.40

5.50

5.50 

5 fin

5.50 

5.50

5.50

5.30 

5.30

5.20

5.20 

5.30

4 on

4.90

A (\(\

4. SO

5.10

5.10

5.50 

5.30 

5.40

Dec.

5.10

5. 10 

5.30 

5.60

5.80 

6.80

6.05

6.20

8. GO

8.40 

7.70

7.70

7. GO 

7. GO 

7.8P

7.30

7.30 

7.30

7.20

7.10

7.10

6.30

6.30

7.10

G. 50 

G. 40 

0.30 

G. 10

a River frozen over January 1 to March 20. Gage heights are to water surface in a hole in the ice. 

Thickness of ice, 2 to 2.5 feet." 

6 No ice r.jcord for December.
WOLF RIVER SYSTEM. 71

Rating table for Wisconsin River near Necedah, Wis., from March 10 to July 5,1903.a

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

5.0

5.1

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

5.7

5.8

Charge. ! ,3t.

Second-fed.

3,400

3,540

3,690

3,840

4,000

4,160

4,320

4,490

4,670

4,860

5,060

5,260

5,470

Feet.

5.9

6.0

6.1

6.2

6.3

6.4

6.5

6.6

6.7

6.8

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,680

5,900

6,130

6,370

6,620

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7. 2

Discharge. ' }^

Second-feet.

9,100

7.3 9,400

7.4 9,760

7. 5

7.6

6,880 7.7

7,150 7.8

7,430 ! 7.9

7,710 , 8.0

8,000 i 8.2

6.9 8,290 8.4

7.0 8,580 8. C

7.1 8,870

10,000

10,300

10,670

10,980

11,290

11 ,600

12,240

12,880

13,520

Feet.

8.8

9.0

9.2

9.4

9.6

9.8

10.0

10.5

Discharge.

Second-feet.

14,160

14,800

15,440

16,080

16,720

17,360

18,000

19,600

11.0 21,200

11.5 ' 22,920

12.0 , 24,670

13.0 . 28,360

a Flood in July changed channel.

ating table for Wisconsin River near Necedah, Wis., from July 6 to December 12, 1903

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.8

4.9

5.0

5.1

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

5.7

5.8

5.9

6.0

g table f 01

Discharge.

Second-fed.

4,200

4,350

4,510

4,080

4,860

5,040

5,230

5,430

5,630

5,840

6,050

6,270

6,500

iSft. ! «*arge.

Feet. Second-feet.

6.1 6,730

6.2 6,970

6.3

C. 4

6.5

6.6

6.7

6.8

6.9

7.0

7,220

7,480

7,750

8,030

8,320

8,620

8,920

9,220

7.1 ' 9,520

height. ( ' age Ulscna Dihrge 'e -

Feet. Second-feet.

7.4 10,440

7.5 10,760

7.6 11,080

7.7 11,410

7.8 11,740

7.9 12,070

8.0 12,400

8.2 13,080

8.4

8.6

8.8

7.2 9,820 9.0

7.3 ' 10,130

13,700

14,440

15,120

15,800

Gage 

height.

Feet

9.2

9.4

9.6

9.8

10.0

10.5

11.0

11 5

12.0

12.5

13.0

14.0

Discharge.

Second-feet.

16,480

17,160

17,840

18,520

19,200

20,900

22,600

24,300

26,000

27,700

29,400

32,800

Wisconsin River near Necedah, Wis., from January 1 to December 31, 1

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.0

4.1

4,2

4.3

4. 4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

5.0

5.1

5.2

5.3

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,800

2,000

2,200

2,400

2,600

2,810

3,020

3,240

3,400

3,690

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.4

5.5

5.6

5.7

5.8

5.9

6.0

0. 1

6.2

0.3

3,930 0.4

4,150 0.5

4,390 0.6

4,630 |

I)

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4,880

5,130

5,380

5,640

5,900

0,170

0,440

0,720

7,010

7,300

7,000

7,900

8,200

he'igft. 'Discharge.

F<-et, Second-)at.

0.7 8,500

0.8 8,800

0.9

7.0

7. 2

7.4

7.0

7.8

8.0

8.2

8. 4

8.0

8.8

9,100

9,400

10,000

10,600

11,200

11,800

12,400

13,000

13,600

14,200

14,800

Gage 

height.

Feet.

9.0

9.2

9.4

Discharge.

Second-feet

15,400

16,000

16,600

9.6 17,200

9. 8 17 ,800

10.0 18,400

10.5 19,900

11.0 21,400

11. 5

12.0

12.5

13.0

23,610

25,860

28,230

30,750

13.5 38,450
72 WATER POWERS OB' NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Rating table for Wisconsin River near Necedah, Wis.,from January 1 to December 31,1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.00

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5. 10

5.20

5.30

5.40

Discharge.

Second-feet. i

1,800 '

2,000

2,200

2,400

2.000

2.810

3,020

3,240

3,460

3,690

3, 920

4,150

4,390

4,030

4,880

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.50

5.00

5.70

5.80

5.90

0.00

0.10

6.20

0.30

0.40

0. 50

0. 60

0.70

0.80

6.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,130

5,380

5,640

5, 900

0,170

6, 440

6,720

7.010

7,300

7, 600

7,900

8.200

8,500

8,800

9.100

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.00

7.20

7.40

7. 60

7.80

8.00

S. 20

8.40

8.00

8.80

9.00

9.20

9.40

9.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

9.400

10,000

10, COO

11,200

11.800

12.400

13.000

13.000

14,200

14,800

15,400

Gage 

height.

Fed.

9.80

10.00

10.50

11.00

11.50

12.00

12.50

13.00

13. 50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

17,800

18,400

19,900

21,400

23,610

25, 860

28,230

30,750

38,450

14.00 ' 46,200

15.00

10,000 10.00

16,000

17,200

17.00

18.00

01,800

77,500

93,300

109,200

increase at a greater rate per foot.

Estimated monthly discharge of Wisconsin River near Necedah, Wis., 1903 to 190i>. 

[Drainage area, 5,800 square miles.]

Date.

1903. 

January. . .

Discharge.

Maximum.

Sec.-feet.

July.....................................

1904.

March ...................... ...

July.....................................

August ..................................

30,450 

10,670 

21,200 

19,760 

21,240 

12,400 

34,840 

18,520 

5,945 

9,520

Minimum.

Sec.-feet.

6,015 

7,570 

3,540 

3,400 

4,125 

4,800 

5,840 

4,350 

f5,630

21,100 

28,720 

22,280 

9,700 

0,170

7,300 

9,400 

5,640 

2,810 

2,400

Run-ofl.

Per 

Mean. square 

mile.

Sec.-feet. 

&2,600 

^2,550 

11,859 

8, 322 

14,492 

0,897 

9,022 

6,048 

15,832 

10,580 

5,007 

f7,798

Sec.-feet. 

0.45 

.44 

2.04 

1.43 

2. r.O 

1.19 

1.50 

1.15 

2.73 

1.83 

.80 

f 1.34

1

12,830 

15,250 

11,350 

5,926 

3,845

2.21 

2.63 

1.90 

1.02 

. 603

Depth.

Inches. 

0.52 

.40 

2.35 

1.60 

2.88 

1.33 

1.80 

1.33 

3.05 

2.11 

.96 

'.60

2.47 

3. 03

2.19 

1.18

.764

Kainfall.o

Inches. 

0.36 

.91 

2.33 

4.06 

6.23 

1.26 

6.11 

6.20 

5.86 

2.11 

1.09 

.88

.33 

1.20 

1.49 

2.01 

6.20 

4.81 

3.28 

3.21

a Rainfall for 1903 is the average of the recorded precipitation at the following stations: Antigo, 

Koepenick, Stevens Point, Wausau, Amherst, Grand Rapids, and Medford. That for 1904 includes the 

same stations, except Medford and adding Minocqua and Prentice.

6 Estimated.

c March 1 to 9, inclusive, estimated.

d River frozen December 13 to 31.

«Twelve-day period.
WOLF RIVER SYSTEM. 73

Estimated, monthly discharge of Wisconsin River near Necedah, Wis., for 1903 to 1905 

Continued.

Date.

1904.

1905." 

March 21-30 .......................................

Discharge.

MaximumSec.-feet. 

10,600 

33,830 

9,700

May ...............................................

July ..............................................

October

Minimum.

Sec.-feet. 

2,400 

6,170 

3,460

20,500 

35, 370 

17,800 

93,300 

15,700 

9,700 

13,600 

q 400

5,900 

14.800

Mean.

Sec.-feet. 

5,227 

13,590 

5,698

3,920 

6,170 

0,305 

7,300 

4,150 

3,920 

4,630 

3,240 

3,460 

4,150

Run-off.

Per 

.square 

mile.

Sec.-feet. 

.901 

2.34 

.982

9,037 

15,790 

11,060 

23,320

8,711 

6,099 

7,419 

5,748 

4,667 

8,888

Depth.

Inches. 

1.01 

2.70 

1.10

1.56 

2 72 

1.91 

4.02 

1.50 

1.05 

1.28 

.991 

.805 

1.53

Rainfall.

Inches. 

4.53 

5.70 

.25

1.86

0.58 

3.04 

2.20 

4.48 

1.73 

1.21 

1.43 

1.14 

.898 

1.76

34.87

a No estimate for ico period. 

Discharge- measurements of Wisconsin River at Merrill, Wis., in 1902, 1903, 1904, and 1905.

Date.

1902.

December 10. ....

1903.

February Ifia. . . .. .

March 20. ..........

June 17 '< .......

July 13............

1904. 

May 126..........

July i:>i>... ........

September 21 ......

October 14. ...... .

November 30 o. ....

1905. 

April 10............

May 20 .............

June 10. ....... .

July 10.............

Hydrographer.

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

K. 0. Murphy. ....................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

..... do............ r. .................

F. W. Hanna.. .....................

S.K.Clapp.........................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

Width.

Feet.

310

310

344

332

308

805

283

343

334

334

334

312

327

306

334

324

334

332

Area of 

section.

Square 

feet.

718

669

2,232

1,269

1,424

1,115

1,759

1 594

2,220

1,366

1,210

2,333

1,237

2,189

1,079

2,334

1,596

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per 

second.

1.91

1.86

3.78

3.54

1.78

2.10

2.36

3.19

3.71

4.19

1.98

1.91

4.42

1.85

3.84

2.69

4.06

2.73

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.6

3.8

4.05

3.70

8.90

6.85

4.72

5.70

5.00

6.66

6.08

7.85

S. 25

5.30

5.01

8.25

4.97

7.8

6.25

8.17

6.48

Discharge.

Second 

feet.

9,015

1,394

1,376

1,250

9,995

7,893

2,258

2 993

2,638

5,014

8,242

9,587

3,107

2,312

10,323

2,294

8,396

4,519

9,478

4,357

a Partly frozen. 6 Affected hy log jam.
74 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Wisconsin River at Merrill, Wis., November 16, 1903, to

December 31, 190,1.

1902.

Nov ' T)OP

1. ........... ......

2 '

3............ ......

4.. .......... ......

!

6............ ......

7. ...............

S. ........... ......

9.. ..........'.. .

10............ ......

11............ ......

13............ ......

14............ ......

15............ ......

4.00

3. 95

4.00

3. 85

3.65

16.. .......... 3.60 3.85

j

1903.

Jail TVb Mnr Aur. Af.-iv. 1 Jimp.

3. 65

3.70

3.85

3.80

3.70

3. 80 3.

3.80 3.

3. 85 3.

3. 80 3.

3. 85 3.

3.75 3.90 3.

3. 70 3. 80 3.

3. 65 3. 90 3.

3. 65

3.70

3. 85 3.

3. 55 4.

3 8.-, 4

3. SO 3. 75 4.

3. 7.5 3. 70 5.

3. 6.5 3. 75 5.

3. 50 3. 80 5.

17............' 3. SO 3.85 3. 7U 3.90 5.

IS............ 2.50 3.90 3.70 3.75 5.

19............ 2.0.5 3.85 4.20 3.55 7.

20............ 1.90 4.05 4.00 3.70 8.

21............ 1.90 3.80 3. 85 ; 3.65 8.

22............ 1.55 3.80

23............ 1.05 3.75 _.__ .._. ..

70 6. 75 6. 65 ......

70 ti. 70 8. 30 ......

SO (i. 55 ............

75 6. 65

70 6. 70

SO 6.80

75 6. 90

90 6. 70

75 6. 05

00 (i. 70

05 6. 75

05 6. 80

50 6. 85

55 ti. 75

90 ' 7.10

35 7. 20

50 7. 10

4.00 3.85 8.00 ' li. SO

4. 00 3. 45 S.

24............ .90 3.85 4.00 3.65 7.

25............ 1.05 4.0,") 4.10

26............ .55 3.95 4.05

27.. .........J .15 3.90 4.00

28............ .05 3.80 3.85

29............ .10 3.70 3.95

31............ ...... 3.70 3.8.5

3. 70 7.

3. 70 7.

3. CO 6.

3. 65 6.

...... 6.

25 6. 75

50 ' 6. SO

35 7. 05

00 ti. 10

65 6. 35

05 6.50

80 (i. 85

70 ......

7.05 4.30

7. 65 4. 30

7.65 4.90

............ 8. 70 5. 60

8 80 (1 55

............ S. 70

8.30

8. 10

7 70

...... 7.60

7 50

5.15

7 30

6.30

5.50

6.00

5.40

5.50

5.40

7.45

7. 35

7.25

(o)

Oct. Nov.

...... 6.50

5.50 5.90

5. 70 6. 90

5. 80 7. 85

ti. 00 800

6. 10

6. 10

6.50

6. 60

6.80

6.90

9.40

10.00

11.10

11.50

...... 10. SO

...... 10. 10

5.15 ...... 9.40

5.20 5.55 ...... 8.90

5.55 4.65 ...... 8.50

5.60 4.90 ...... 8.10

6.00 5.40 ...... 7.90

6.45 5.10 ...... 7.70

6.40 4.65 ....... 7. 10

5. 85 5.10 ...... 7.20

5.35 4.10 ...... 7.20

5. 35

6.30

4.50 ...... 7.05

5.60

4.30

i

.'..... 5.40

7.80

8.85

8.55

8.35

8.20

7.70

5. 85

5.60

5.30

5.30

5. 75

5.30

5.10

5.20

5. 10

5.30

5 t>5

7. 35 5. 25

7.10 5.25

7. 10 5. 05

ti. 75 5. 50

6. CO 5. 35

6. 60 4. 65

6. 60 4. 7.5

6. 35 4. 85

6. 35 4. 75

6. 35 4. 55

6. 40 4. 60

6. 15 ' 4. 70

6.0.5 4.90

6.00 | 5.35

5.85 5.25

5.75 4.85

5.85 ; 4.85

5.60 '......

Dec.

5.10

5. 10

5. 25

5. 10

5.25

5.15

5.20

5.20

5.05

4.95

. 4.70

4.90

4.80

5.30

4. 55

5. 00

5.10

5.10

5.20

5.20

4.80

4.80

5.10

5.00

5. 20

5. 50

5. CO

5. 50

5 80

5. CO

Day. ' Jan.

1904.

1 .............. 5. 90

2.............. 6.00

3.............. 6.05

5.............. 6.10

6.............. 6.00

7.............. 5.75

8.............. 5.80

Feb.

5. 65

5. 65

5. 60

5 55

Mar.

5. 90

5. 95

5. 90

Apr. May.

5.90

5. 85

5. 90

5 (10 5 S5

5. 70 5. 90 5. 90

5. 70

5. 60

5.80

9.............. 5.50 5.80

10 .............. 5. 85 5. 75

11.............. 5.55 5.85

13............... 5.75 6.10

14.............. 5.70 5.55

15 ............. J 5. 55 5. 6U

5. 85 6. 40

5. 95

5.85

5.90

5.90

5. 90

5.80

5. SO

5.90

6.35

6.65

June.

7. 55 7. 55

7. 10 7. 25

6. 80 7. 30

7. 30 8. 05

6.75

6. 7.5

7.05

7. 20 8. 40

7. 15 8. 20

6. 80 7. 70

6. 65 7. 95

6.35 , 7.70

8.30

7.80

7.85

7. 55

7.35

7 00

7. 25

(i. 50

6.20

July.

6.75

6.80

6. 60

6. 25

6.20

Aug.

5. 15

5.20

5.10

r> 00

5. 05

5.25

6.20 5.20

6. 35 6. 65

6.70 , 5.10

6.95 5.20

5.45 7.15

6. 00 5. 50

5 75 5.30

Sept.

5. 05

4.90

5.95

6.90

6.25

Oct.

6.15

6.25

6.70

6.40

5. 90

7. 05 5. 60

7. 00 6. 70

6. 75 7. 75

5. 90 10. 10

6. 15 9. 05

5. 95 8. 30

5. 95 i 7. 55

Nov.

6.70

6. 60

6. 25

5. 75

Dec.

4. 85

5. 20

4. 85

4. 85

4.75

5. 70 4. 95

5. 55 4. 80

5. 15 5. 15

4.70

4.55

4 40

4. 75

5.90

6.00

4.60

5.00

5.00

4.80

5. 05

5. 20

a Chain gage stolen.
WOLF RIVER SYSTEM.

Mean dally gage Iteiglit, in feet, of Winconftin River at Merrill, Wis., November 16, 1902, to 

December 31, 190~> Continued.

Day. Jan. , Feb.

1904.

17.............. 5.00 5.95

n. ............. 5.65 5.90

21 .............. 5. 70 5. 85 

22 ............. 5. 05 5. 95 

23. ............. 5.60 5.90 

24.............. 5.50 5.1)0

2,i.............. 5.55 5.90 

''7 "i ")"> "> 90

28.............. 5.55 ' 3.90

HO. ............. 5.55 ....... 

'U "> 50

1905. 

1 .............. 5. 20 5. 25 

2.............. 4.95 5.00 

3.............. 5. 20 I 4.90 

4..............' 5.70 5.15

5.. ............ l 5.35 5.50 

fi.............. 5.40 5.35

8. ............. 5.45 5.25 

9.............. 5. 15 1 5.10

1 1 ---........... 5. 35 5. 20

13. ............. 5.50 5.20 

14.... ......... 5.90 5.25 

15... ........... 0.00 5.15

17.............. 5.75 5.70

IS. ............. 5. S5 5.05 

19. ............. 5.05 5.55 

2(1.............. 5. IS 5 35

 V> 5 |',f) <j OQ

2,-i.............. 5.80 5.75

25.............. 0.15 5.00

27.............. 5.85 5.65 

28.............. 5.25 5.35 

29. ............. 5.10 ....... 

30.............. 5.05 ....... 

31.............. 5.15 .......

Mar.

5. 90

5. 65

5. 75 

5.80 

5. 35 

5. 75 

fi (XI

5. 85

5. 70 

5. SO

5. 70

.'). 35 

5 35 

5. 20 

5. 40

5. 25 

5. 35

^ ";K

5. 15 

5. 20 

5. 05

5. 45

5. 45 

4.70 

4.7(1

,\ 25 

5. 25

4.95

4.55

6. 05 

7.40 

8.00 

8. fiO 

8. 50

\pr.

5. 85

6. 45

('. 'fr\

0. 35 

0. 15

(i. 05 

0. 05 

0. 10 

7.00

V 1 A

8. 35 

8. 45

S. 50

7. 75

8.90 

,s. SO 

9.20

8. 90

8. SO

s. so

S. 20

8. (10

7.40

7 ''0

7.40 

7.00 

fi. 90 

7. 20

7.00 

fi. 45 

fi. 45

fi 05

5. 95

5.75 

fi. 20

5. 90 

5. fi5 

5. 95 

.-). 45

May.

7.40

fi. 75

(i. 85 

7.05 

7. 05 

7. 05

10. 10

9. SO 

9. 05

8.00 

7. 95

5. 15 

5. 70 

(i. 20 

fi. 10

0. 25 

0.40 

fi. 45

7.20 

(i. 70 

fi. 45

fi. 95

7.20

fi. 90 

7.40 

7. GO 

7. 00

7 80

7.80 

7. 50 

7.30 

7.00

0. 80 

0.40

0. 45

0. 35 

6. 35 

0. 25

fi. 00

June.

fi. 05

0. 50 

0 °0

0. 05 

0. 10 

fi. 05 

7.25 

5. 60

fi. 00 

0 ",

7. 25

0. 30

5.80 

5.70 

5. 90 

5.50

7. 00 

10.40

a oo

9.00

8.40

7.80 

7. 80 

7. 00 

8.10

10 40

10. 00 

10. 60 

9.60 

9.20

8.50 

8. 00

7.00 

6 90

7. 60 

7. 50 

fi. 75 

7.05

.......

July.

5. 80

4. 50

5. 10 

5. 20 

5. 30 

4.90 

4. 50

4.60 

"> 40

5.10

5. 70 

5. 50

7.40 

7.30 

7.50 

7. fiO

8.00 

S. 20

7.80 

S. 00 

7.20

0. 85

6. 20 

6. 30 

6. 80

fi. 55 

. ;. 05 

5. 05 

fi. 45

5. 50 

5. 40

5.20

5. 05 

5.80 

5. 60 

5.75 

4.30

Aug.

3.70

6. 05

5. 75 

6.40

fi. 10 

0.20 

6.15 

5.85

5.70 

G 00

.->. 50 

~) 90

6.35

5.05 

5.45 

5. 35 

5.35

5. 95 

li. 10

0.00 

G. 25 

0.40

0. 05

0. 00 

r>. 15 

5.90

6. 40 

fi. 25 

0. 20 

5.90

0.50 

4.80

5.55

0. 40 

0. 25 

5.75 

0.00 

0. 80

Sept.

5.90 

 j ()5

5.90

5. 35 

5. 05 

5.50 

0.80 

7.10

7. 75

7.20 

0 40

6. 10

0.10 

0.20 

0. 15 

G. 70

G. 70 

0.25

0. 25 

0.10

0. 15

fi. 30

(i. 05 

0.40 

0. 05 

fi. 40

o r>o

fi. 45 

G. 90

7. 35

G.90

G. 50

A OS

0. 55 

0. 15 

5. 95 

fi. 45

Oct.

7. 15

6.90 

6. 90

G. 95

6. 35 

6.80 

fi. 65 

6. 55 

7.10

7.20 

6 90

6. 75

0.65 

6.25

6.20 

0.00 

6.20 

0.00

G. 05 

0.00 

5.30

5.30 

4.30 

4 90

fi. 80

0. 45 

0. 55 

5.90

0.25 

0. 05 

G. 85 

6.70

6.70

0.80 

6. 15

0. 30

0. 55 

fi. 90 

6. 50 

5 70 

5.80

Nov.

4. 55 

4. 55

4. 75

5.10 

5. 25 

5. 10 

4.95 

4. 75

4.95 

5. 45

5. 15

4.85

0.20 

0.30 

5.00 

5. 25

5.80 

5.35

5. 55 

5. 45

5. 80

5.15

5. 30 

5.00 

5.20 

5.65

n 7fl

5. 75 

5.85 

5.45 

5.75

5. 75 

5. 00

5.70 

5.20

4.80 

5. 15 

5. 65 

5.50

Dec.

5. 20

5.10

5.20 

5. 70 

5.25 

5.20

5. 0.')

5 95

5. 50

5.20 

5.70 

5. 00 

5.80

5.40 

5.25

5.55 

5. 35

5.70

5. 55

5. fio 

5. GO 

5. 35 

5.70

6. 15

5.50 

5. 00

5. 05

5.75

5. 45

5.90 

0.25

5.90 

5. 00 

5. 85 

5.70 

5. 40

NOTE. No ice record tit this station.
76 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Rating table for Wisconsin River at highway bridge mar Merrill, Wifi., from June 17,1903, to

December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height. Discharge.

Feet. Second-ft.

4.5 1,485

4.0 1,045

4.7 1,805

4.8

4.9

1,970

Gage 

height. Discharge.

Feet. Second-ft.

5.5 3,225

5. 0 3, 425

5.7 3,035

5.8 3,855

2,140 5.9

5.0 2,310 , 0.0

5. 1 2, 485

5.2 2,005

5.3

5.4

2,845

3,035

0.1

6.2

0.3

(',. 4

4,075

4,305

4,535

4,705

5,005

5,245

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Second-ft.

G. 5 5,485

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

7.0

7. 2

7 4

7. 6

Gage 

height.

Feet.

8.0

5,725 8.2

5,975 8.4

0,225 8.6

0,475 8.8

6,725 9.0

7,245 9.5

7,785

8,345

7.8 8,935

10.0

Discharge.

Second-ft.

9,565

10,225

10,885

11,545

12,205

12,865

14,515

16,165

10.5 17,815

11.0 19, 465

Estimated monthly discharge of Wisconsin ffirer at Merrill, Wis., for 190J^. 

[Drainage area, 2,630 square miles.]

Date.

1904.

April..... ................................

The year ...........................

Discharge.

Maximum.

ftec.ft. 

4,535 

4,055 

4,305 

11,220 

18,140 

10,560

7,110

8,935 

17,4SO 

5,975

4,195

18,140

Minimum.

Sec. ft. 

3,225 

3,330 

2,945 

3,970 

5,610 

3,425 

1,485 

2,310 

2,140 

3, 425 

1,410 

1,490

1,410

Mean.

Sec. ft 

d,664 

3,749 

3,889 

6,242 

8,935 

6,472 

3,957 

3,766 

5,000 

7,343 

2,800 

2, SOU

Run-off.

Per 

square 

mile.

Sec. ft. 

1.39 

1.43 

1.48 

2.37 

3.40 

2. 40 

1.51 

1.43 

1.90 

2.79 

1.06 

.976

4,865 1.85

Depth.

Inches. 

1.60 

1.54 

1.71 

2.64 

3.92 

2.74 

1.74 

1.65 

2.12 

3.22 

1.18 

1.12

25. 18

Rainfall.

Inches. 

0.33 

1.20 

1.49 

2.01 

6.20 

4.81 

3.28 

3.21 

4. 53 

5.70 

. 5 

1.86

34. 87

RAI1YROADS.

The railway facilities will be discussed in connection with each power, but in general 

it may be said that they are excellent'. The willingness of the railroads to go where there 

is an assured traffic is seen at Nekoosa. Since the construction of the paper and pulp 

mill at this point three different railroads have extended their lines to the mill.

The land is being rapidly cleared and made into farms, especially during the past five 

years. This fact insures the certain and steady extension of the railroads in this region.

WATER POWERS.

In the first 138 miles above its mouth Wisconsin River occupies a wide, sandy valley, 

entirelv devoid of any falls or rapids, and showing a very uniform descent of only 1J 

feet per mile.
WOLF RIVER SYSTEM. 77

KILBOURN.

The first water power is found at Kilbourn, where the river flows across the Cambrian 

sandstone in a narrow, deep gorge known as "The Dell," 100 to 600 feet wide and 40 to 

70 feet deep. The drainage area of Wisconsin River at Kilbourn is about 8,200 square 

miles. According to discharge measurements made by United States engineers, the lowwater discharge is 3,000 second-feet. A dam with a crest 3 feet above low water was for 

many years operated here, under an old charter, the power being used for a flouring mill. 

This was burned down over thirty years ago and since that time no use has been made of 

the power.

The Madison Traction Company, of Madison, Wis., has a charter for a 15-foot dam 

above the ordinary low-water level, with the privilege of 2 feet of flashboards, giving a 

head of 17 feet or more. It has been proposed to build an electric railroad from Madison 

northward via Kilbourn, as an extension of the present Madison street railway system, 

and the plans contemplate using this water powrer to drive the dynamos.

The river continues to flow in the Cambrian sandstone for the next 70 miles, until Nekoosa 

is reached. Although the river descends over 105 feet in this distance the fall is so evenly 

distributed that good water-power sites are lacking. At Nekoosa, however, for the first 

time, we find the river flowing in the hard pre-Cambrian crystalline rock. In the next 

83 miles above, the river has a descent of 83 feet, nearly all of which is improved by 5 

dams. These dams furnish power for 5 large modern paper and pulp mills and will be 

described in order, beginning below.

A rock crib dam at Nekoosa develops a head of nearly 20 feet. This power is used 

to operate a modern paper and sulphite mill, one of the largest on the river, owned by 

the Nekoosa Paper Company. An installation of 37 turbines is reported, developing a 

total of 4,560 actual horsepower for twenty-four hours per day. The drainage area of 

the river at this point is about 5,700 square miles.

PORT EDWARDS.

About 4j miles farther upstream is another fully developed power owned by the John 

Edwards Manufacturing Company. A head of 18 feet is here available. Turbine wheels, 

to the number of 28, develop 3,860 actual horsepower, which is used to run a large paper 

and pulp mill. Two miles farther upstream is the Centralia Pulp and Water Power Company's dam, with an average head of 13 feet. Turbines of 1,460 horsepower are here 

installed, according to the company's report, all used in the manufacture of paper and 

pulp.

GRAND RAPIDS.

One of the largest and most complete paper and pulp mills in the entire State, owned by 

the Consolidated Paper and Power Company, is located on the west side, of the river, 

within the city limits of Grand Rapids. This mill was erected in 1902 and its installation of paper-making machinery has all the recent important improvements. Before 

this mill was constructed there was a total descent of 30.8 feet between the foot of Biron 

darn, 4 miles above, and the Grand Rapids bridge. Of this amount the new masonry 

and concrete dam of the Consolidated Paper and Power Company develops a head of 

about 25 feet. Turbines of 6,500 horsepower are already installed, flume space being also 

provided for the development of an additional 1,000 horsepower for future expansion. 

Prior rights to 500 horsepower developed by this dam are owned by the Grand Rapids 

Milling Company, which uses it in the manufacture of flour.

The Pioneer Wood and Pulp Company has certain rights to about 600 or 800 horsepower "when the stage of the river will permit,'' which has meant about ten months each 

year. This power is used by the company for grinding wood pulp. The Grand Rapids 

foundry also has rights to about 40 horsepower from the same dam. The milling company
78 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

and the foundry both receive their power from the Consolidated Company in consideration 

for power previously owned by them and displaced by the present dam.

The above-described four paper mills have the advantage of competition in freight rates 

incident to being served by each of the"following railways: The Chicago and Northwestern; 

Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul; Green Bay and Western; and Wisconsin Central.

About 4 miles above Grand Rapids is located the dam of the Grand Rapids Paper and 

Pulp Company. A head of from 10 to 12 feet, depending on the stage of the water, is 

reported with turbines already installed of 3,063 ho"sepower. This company is served 

by the Green Bay and Western Railroad. In the 13 miles between the crest of the Biron 

dam and the foot of the next one above, near Stevens Point, Wisconsin River descends 

16 feet. The only rapids in this distance is one of 3\ feet called "Crooked Rift," about 

4 miles above the Biron dam. The greater part of this fall properly belongs to the Biron 

power and is largely developed by the splash boards of that dam.

STEVENS POINT.

Owing to the peculiar topography of the river valley between Nekoosa and Stevens 

Point, whereby the adjacent tributaries flow for long distances parallel to the main river, 

and to the decided narrowing of the river A^alley between these points, the discharge of 

Wisconsin River at Stevens Point does not differ greatly from that at Nekoosa. The 

drainage area at Stevens Point is about 5,600 square miles.

In the city of Stevens Point and immediately south of it are found three developed 

powers and one undeveloped. Of the former, the lower two are owned and operated by 

the Wisconsin River Paper and Pulp Company. One of its dams is located in the NE. 

\ sec. 17, T. 23 N., R. 8 E., just below the mouth of Plover River, and supplies a head 

of 9 feet. At this point a large island occupies the middle of the river and is made use 

of in the construction of the dam. The company has installed turbines rated at 1,370 

horsepower. One-half mile above this dam, at a point where the river is much narrower, 

is located the second dam belonging to this company, giving an average head of 16 feet. 

Here are installed 18 turbines rated at 4,660 horsepower. This power, as well as that 

derived from the dam below, is used in the manufacture of pulp and paper. Both mills 

are located on the east or right bank and have good shipping facilities. Above the lastdescribed power and about a mile below the dam next above is an undeveloped power of 

about 7-foot head belonging to the same company. As the river is wide at this point, a 

very long dam would be required to develop this power, but its location in the city would 

make it very valuable.

The third dam is located within the limits of the city of Stevens Point and is owned 

by the Jackson Milling Company. This dam develops an average head of 7 feet. The 

owners have installed only 3 turbines, rated at 140 horsepower, which is us°d to run a flour 

and feed mill. By building a new dam 1,000 feet below the present one, with a crest of 10 

'feet, a 12-foot head could easily be obtained without flooding. On account of its location 

in a growing city of 10,000 people, it would seem that all this power could easily find takers 

at remunerative rates.

BATTLE ISLAND.

In the 19 miles between the head of the upper dam at Stevens Point and the bridge of 

the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway near Knowlton, according to railroad levels, 

the river descends 30 feet. In this distance there is only one opportunity for the development of water power, namely, at Battle Island, in sec. 28, T. 26 N., R. 7 E. From the 

foot of the rapids at Mosinee to Battle Island, according to a survey, there is a fall of 20 

feet. The banks at this point are said to be high, so that a dam could be economically 

built with a head of 20 feet. The Wisconsin Valley division of the Chicago, Milwaukee
WOLF RIVER SYSTEM. 79

and St. Paul Railway is distant less than a mile from this site, and rock and timber are 

very abundant and near at hand; in fact, the bed and banks of the river are in rock.

An easily developed power, one of the best on the river, is found at Mosinee, in sec. 31, 

T. 27 N., R. 7 E. It is owned by the Joseph Dessert Lumber Company. About forty 

years ago a flooding dam with a head of 5 or 6 feet was built here, and it has since been 

rebuilt several times. The dam was located near the head of the rapids, probably because 

of the ease of construction due to a large island in the river at this point. Later a sawmill 

was buiH OP he right bank, thereby securing a head of about, 12 feet. At the present time 

(hit mill IE riiT by steam power, and no use is made of the water power. An effort is now 

being made ic interest capital to develop this power to its maximum amount for a proposed papei and pulp mill. This will require a new dam. Such a dam could be made to 

develop a head of 20.7 feet by flooding a small marsh above. The high banks and the bed 

of the river are in the hard crystalline rock.

EOTHCHILDS.

In the 18 miles between the east quarter stake of sec. 35, T. 29 N., R. 7 E., below the 

mills at Wausau, and the crest of the Mosinee dam, Wisconsin River descends 28 feet.a 

A considerable portion of this fall is concentrated in rapids in sec. 24, T. 28 N., R. 7 E. 

at a place called Rothchilds. The right bank is steep, but the left bank is much less so. 

A dam could be built here which would develop a head of nearly 20 feet but it would 

need to be long. Rib and Eau Claire rivers, with drainage areas of 500 and 423 square 

miles, respectively, enter Wisconsin River from opposite sides but a short distance above 

Rothchilds. This place is 7 miles from Wausau and is reached by the Chicago, Milwaukee 

and St. Paul Railway. During the year 1903 Wausau capitalists made earnest efforts to 

acquire the necessary flowage rights for the improvement of this power, but the owners 

of the land were unwilling to sell at the rates offered and the project was dropped.

Only a portion of the valuable water power located in the city of Wausau has been 

developed. A high granite island, nearly a quarter of a mile long, occupies the middle 

third of the river at this place, the main dam being built from the head of this island to 

the right bank, a distance of about 350 feet. The guard lock is located on the opposite 

channel, at the site of the Scott Street Bridge, and is about 300 feet long.

Near the head of the island is located the McEchroy roller mill. Three turbines, installed 

under an average head of only 7A feet, develop 296 actual horsepower, which is ample for 

this mill as at present equipped.

Abo-it 1,000 feet below the guard lock are situated the Alexander Stewart Lumber Company's; planing and saw mills, working under heads of 9 and 11 feet, respectively. Four 

turbines, rated at 200 horsepower, are installed. The planing mill runs ten and the sawmill twenty hours a day. The company also has 350 steam horsepower.

About 1,300 feet below the guard lock is located the plant of the Wausau Paper Mills 

Company, which takes its power from the old dam, but because of the location so far 

below has the advantage of the additional fall in the river. This gives an average head 

of 14 feet. The company has installed 12 turbines, rated at about 3,600 actual horsepower, 

and in addition has 500 steam horsepower. This mill runs twenty-four hours a day.

During the past year the Wausau Electric Company has acquired I'ights to two-ninths 

of the total flow of the stream, and has blasted a new tailrace out of the solid rock for a 

distance of 300 or 400 feet, thereby increasing the head to 22i feet. This company has 

as yet installed only one pair of turbines, rated at 700 horsepower, but intends to double

a U. S. Geol. Survey topographic map.
80 WATEE POWEBS OF NORTHEEN WISCONSIN.

this in two years. The Stewart Lumber Company owns three-ninths and D. L. Plumer 

four-ninths of the total flow of the river.

Wausau is a city of about 13,000 inhabitants and is the county seat of Marathon County. 

The Marshfield branch of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway crosses Wisconsin River 

at this point, and the city is served also by the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway.

In the 20 miles (by river) between the foot of the lower dam at Merrill and the head of 

the Wausau dam Wisconsin River descends about 55 feet, 35 feet of this being between 

Wausau and the mouth of Pine River.a The only portion of this fall at present developed 

is at Brokaw, where a dam with a head of 12 feet furnishes power for a large paper and 

pulp mill. Twelve turbines, rated at 3,964 horsepower, are installed. Brokaw is about 

6 miles above Wausau, in sec. 3, T. 29 N., R. 6 E., and is reached by the Chicago, Milwaukee 

and St. Paul Railway.

TRAPP RAPIDS.

About 4 miles above Brokaw, near the mouth of Trapp River, are the Trapp rapids, b 

The bed of the river is in the hard crystalline rocks, and, according to the topographic 

map, both banks are about 30 or 35 feet high and the river 600 feet wide. A head of 18 or 

20 feet could probably be developed here by a dam. The nearest city is Merrill, a place 

of over 9,000 inhabitants, distant only 8 miles by the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul 

Railway.

MERRILL.

In the city of Merrill are two dams. The lower one, which has recently been repaired 

and partially rebuilt, is located between lots 1 and 3, sec. 12, T. 31 N., R. 6 E., and gives 

an average head of 14 feet. This power is owned by the Merrill Electric Light Company, 

which has installed and uses 600 horsepower. The remainder of the power is leased to 

the Lindore Paper Company, which iu 1904 blasted out a new tailrace about 600 feet 

below the dam and has here installed 23 turbines under a 14-foot head, rated at 2,220 

horsepower.

The second dam within the city limits of Merrill is located in sec. 10, T. 31 N., R. 6 E., 

about 2J miles above the paper mill, and is used for boom purposes only. It has a length 

of about 475 feet and develops an average head of 8 feet. A similar dam with an 8-foot 

head is located about 2 miles above, between sees. 8 and 9, T. 31 N., R. 6 E., and is also 

used only for boom purposes. Both dams are owned by the Wisconsin River Driving Association. As these dams are of little use at present, owing to the decline of the lumber 

interests, a company is now being formed to greatly improve the two powers by the construction of a new dam, to be located between sees. 9 and 16, T. 31 N., R. 6 E. It is stated 

that a head of 24 feet can be obtained here to run a new paper mill.

Wisconsin River is joined at Merrill by Prairie River. Between Merrill and Rhinelander 

Tomahawk and Pelican rivers add their waters from an aggregate drainage area of 3,300 

square miles.

BILL CROSS RAPIDS.

The next power in order above Merrill is found at Bill Cross Rapids, in sec. 13, T. 32 N., 

R. 5 E., not far from the east quarter stake. Between this point and the foot of Grandfather Rapids the river descends 26J feet. As the banks are reported high at this point 

it is probable that a head of 20 to 24 feet could be obtained. This dam site is distant 5 

miles from the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway.

a\J. &. Geol. Survey topographic map.

f> The power and riparian rights at these rapids are owned by G. D. Jones, Neal Brown, and Carl 

Mathle, of Wausau, Wis.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER NO. 156 PL. Ill

-~- . _. - .-.. - - - !*

^ - >«3'' s"^^£'-^ '

. GRANDFATHER RAPIDS, WISCONSIN RIVER. 

Ninety feet fall in 1J miles.

7i. BRUNETT FALLS, CHIPPEWA RIVER.

WOLF KIVEK SYSTEM. 81

GRANDFATHER RAPIDS.

In the 53 miles between the foot of the upper dam at Merrill and the foot of the Rhinelander dam the river has a natural descent of 277 feet, an average of 5.2 feet per mile. 

In this stretch, besides several other fine powers, are included Grandfather Rapids, the 

largest water power on the river, developed or undeveloped. These rapids begin in the 

NE. 1 sec. 30, T. 33 N., R. 6 E., and extend to the SW. \ sec. 31, a distance of 1J miles, 

and are the most noted rapids on the river. A view of them is shown in PI. Ill, A The 

descent in this distance is 89A feet. The high bank and the bed of the river are in the hard 

pre-Cambrian rock. For nearly thirtjT years the Wisconsin River Logging Association has 

maintained three logging dams on these rapids. It is probable that the cheapest method 

of developing this power would be to construct, three dams of 30 feet head each, and that 

the power could be best employed by paper mills. The site is about midway in the 20 mile 

stretch from Merrill to Tomahawk.

About 1.5 miles above Grandfather Rapids are some small rapids where a 8.9-foot dam 

would back the water to the foot of Grandmother Rapids.

GRANDMOTHER RAPIDS.

From the foot of the present Tomahawk dam to the foot of Grandmother Rapids, Wiconsin River descends 41 feet, 6i feet of which are concentrated at these rapids in a distance of 40 rods. According to a survey, 39 feet can be developed here. One dam site 

should be near the south line of sec. 10, T. 33 N., R. 6 E., which is distant only 2^ miles 

from the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway at Irma.

TOMAHAWK DAM.

This dam, which has a head of 13.2 feet, is located in the SW. \ sec. 10, T. 34, N., R. 6 E. 

It has a total pondage of over 4 square miles, the largest on the river, backing up the water 

in the main liver for about 6 miles, as well as in the tributaries. The steadying effect 

which this dam exerts, together with that of several dams on adjoining lakes, must be very 

beneficial. This power has been used for several years for running a large paper mill 

located on the left bank and reached by spur tracks of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul 

Railway. The installation is 650 horsepower. During the summer of 1904 another paper 

mill was erected on the opposite bank, taking its power from the same dam.

PINE CREEK RAPIDS.

From the foot of Whirlpool Rapids to the backwater of the Tomahawk dam, a distance 

of 10 miles, the river has a nearly even descent of 23i feet, 20 feet of which could be developed by one or possibly two dams. A 20-foot dam located about a mile east of the city 

of Tomahawk, in the SE. \ sec. 25, T. 35 N., R. 6 E., would back the water up into Pine 

River. Most of the land thus to be overflowed belongs to lumbering companies or to the 

Bradley Company, of Tomahawk, Wis. This dam site is less than,lialf a mile from the 

Marinette, Tomahawk and Western Railway.

WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS.

These rapids extend from the west line of sec. 12, T. 35 N., R. 7 E., to the north line of 

Lincoln County, a distance of about 2 miles, in which the river descends 15.4 feet. Between 

the head of Whirlpool Rapids and the foot of Hat Rapids there is a descent of 12.63 feet. 

A suitable dam at the foot of Nigger Island, in sec. 12, T. 35 N., R. 7 E., would develop a 

head of 28 feet. The banks are said to be high, with an abundance of rock and timber 

adjacent to the dam site. The drainage area at this point is 1,300 square miles. Three 

different railroad lines are located within 3 or 4 miles of this site, and Tomahawk, a city of 

2,500 population, is 7 miles west.

IRR 156 06 6
82 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

HAT RAPIDS. *

Between the mouth of Pelican River and the foot of Hat rapids, in sec. 27, T. 36 N., 

R. 8 E., the Wisconsin descends about 22 feet. As the banks are high, a dam in sec. 

27 between lots 4 and 5 could be made to develop about 20 feet of head. The drainage 

area at this point is 1,220 square miles. The Rhinelander Power Company has been 

formed to develop this power, and from Mr. A. W. Sheldon, Rhinelander, Wis., its attorney, the following facts were learned. A recent survey shows that the concrete dam 

should be located 13 rods north of the south line of sec. 27, T. 36 N., R. 8 E. It will be 

264 feet long, with earthen dikes, in addition, of 80 and 250 feet. Such a dam would create a head of 20.3 feet,. The site is only 5 miles from Rhinelander, a city of over 5,000 

inhabitants, readied by both the Chicago and Northwestern and the Minneapolis, St. 

Paul and Sault Ste. Marie railways. The power could be either used at the site for a 

paper mill or electrically transmitted to Rhinelander for lighting and power purposes. The 

latter is stated as the present intention of the owners. An officer of the company states 

that all the contracts for construction and machinery have been let, and that the plant 

is expected to be in operation by September, 1905.

RHINELANDER DAM.

Between the foot of the present dam of the Rhinelander Paper and Pulp Company, 

in the city of Rhinelander, and the foot of Otter rapids, in sec. 36, T. 40 N., R. 9 E., a 

distance of about 35 miles, the river descends 79.2 feet. The dam develops 30 feet of this 

descent, and the power is used to run one of the largest paper and pulp mills on the river. 

The company has installed turbines rated at a total of 3,000 actual horsepower and has 

also 1,200 steam horsepower. The daily capacity of this mill is 45 tons of finished 

paper, 40 tons of pulp, and 40 tons of sulphite pulp.

The river above this point has a drainage area of about 940 square miles. Above Rhinelander the river banks are lower and the opportunities for developing large powers few. 

In the 35 miles between Rhinelandcr and the source there are two rapids, called Rainbow 

rapids and Otter rapids. In this distance, according to the United States engineers," 

between the head of Otter rapids and a point about a mile above the mouth of Pelican 

River, the descent of Wisconsin River is only 57 feet, or about 1.62 feet per mile.

RAINBOW RAPIDS.

These rapids are of small extent. They are located in sec. 6, T, 38 N., R. 8 E., and a 

head of 6 to 10 feet could be secured.

OTTER RAPIDS.

The most important power above Rhinelander is at Otter rapids, where a logging 

dam with a head of about 10 feet was early constructed. The rapids proper descend 

16 feet,a so that a head of this amount or more could be developed. The dam site is 

between lots 6 and 8, sec. 36, T. 40 N., R. 9 E. The drainage area above this point is 

about 500 square miles.

According to the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, the Wisconsin River at Conover, 

in sec. 9, T. 41 N., R. 10 E., has an elevation of 1,644 feet above the .sea. This would 

give a fall of 66 feet in the 24 miles between Conover and the head of Otter rapids.

TRIBUTARIES OF WISCONSIN RIVER.

GENERAL STATEMENT.

The watershed line on each side of the Wisconsin Valley is between 300 and 400 feet 

above the main river, and as the tributaries have to descend this distance in a length 

of 50 or 60 miles they have many rapids and available powers. In the upper portion of

a Kept. Chief Eng., U. S. Army, 1881, p. 1824.
WOLF EIVER SYSTEM. 83

their courses the tributaries flow over the hard pre-Cambrian rock, giving many rapids. 

The lower valleys, however,'arc filled by continued erosion, so that with few exceptions, no 

powers are found Iiere.

The length and drainage area of certain streams tributary to Wisconsin River are shown 

in the following table:

Principal tributaries of Wisconsin River.

River.

Rib ..............................................................................

L««th- D a^aage

Afiles. Sq. miles.

SO 714

50 498

50 423

50 377

70 946

70 655

75 760

Only Kickapoo, Baraboo, and Lemomveir rivers and their branches have been as yet 

fully or even largely developed, but the present rapid settlement of this northern region 

is fast bringing a demand for the utilization of these valuable water-power resources. 

While these powers are small as compared with those on the main river, in the aggregate 

they are large, and their wide distribution makes them of still greater value. In some 

cases, because of the ease with which they can be developed and controlled, manufacturers seem to prefer them to the larger but more expensive powers on the parent river. An 

example of this is seen in the present power developments on Prairie River.

ST. GERMAIN RIVER.

Although but 20 miles long, St. Germain River has at least three good dam sites 

located as follows: (1) SW. \ sec. 31, T. 41 N., R. 8 E.; (2) near the outlet of Big St. 

Germain Lake, sec. 32, T. 40 N., R. 8 E.: and (3) near the northeast corner of see. 18, 

T. 39 N., R. 8 El. At the second dam site a head of 20 feet and at the third site ahead 

of 26 feet are reported as feasible.

TOMAHAWK RIVER.

This river rises in about 40 lakes with elevations of from 1,540 to 1,575 feet above the 

sea, the largest of which is Tomahawk Lake, with an area of 7 square miles. The river 

joins the Wisconsin at Tomahawk after a course of about 50 miles.

The dam in Wisconsin River at Tomahawk backs the water in Tomahawk River to 

an elevation of 1,442 feet, so that the remaining descent is about 120 feet, or 2.4 feet per 

mile, nearly half of which is concentrated in four rapids. Only one of these has been 

developed for power purposes, the dam being located about 2 miles above the mouth of 

the river, where a head of about 18 feet is obtained. At present only 300 horsepower 

are here utilized, in a tannery belonging to the United States Leather Company.

Eight miles above this dam, in lots 5 and 6, see. 21, T. 36 N., R. 6 E., are the Prairie 

rapids, with a descent of 20 feet; 10 miles above, in lots 1 and 4, sec. 17, T. 37 N., R. 6 

E., are the Ilalfbreed rapids, with descent of 8 feet: and 12 miles still farther upstream, 

in sec. 27, T. 38 N., R. 5 E., are the Cedar rapids, with descent of 12 feet.

PELICAN RIVER.

This river rises in a series of lakes, the largest being known by the same name, at an 

elevation of 1,590 feet above the sea. The river flows west and joins the Wisconsin near
84 WATEE POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Rhinelander, after descending about 50 feet in its length of 25 miles. The following table 

shows the location of promising dam sites, none of which are as yet developed:

Dam-site locations on Pelican River.

Possible 

head (feet).

Between lots 4 and 6, sec. 4, T. 36 N., R. 10 E. ............................... 6 to 8

SW. 1 sec. 17, T. 36 N., R. 10 E............................................. 6

Between lots 3 and 4, sec. 26, T. 36 N., R. 9 E................................ 10

Between lot 1, sec. 21, and lot 1, sec. 22, T. 36 N., R. 9 E....................... 12

PRAIRIE KIVER.

Although Prairie River has a drainage area of only 214 square miles and is without 

lakes at its upper headwaters, its water powers are of sufficient importance to have already 

attracted capital for their development. At the eastern limits of the city of Merrill a 

dam 200 feet long is being rebuilt so as to give a head of 21 feet. This dam is owned by 

the Prairie River Power and Boom Company. Nine miles northeast, in sec. 13, T. 32 N., 

R. 7 E., at a point where the river has worn a deep channel in the rocks, forming dalles, 

a masonry dam to furnish a head of 72 feet is now being built by the same company. 

This power will be transmitted electrically to the lower dam for use in a paper mill now 

under construction.

Iii sec. 14, T. 33 N., R. 8 E., are smaller dalles, where a head of 20 feet may be obtained.

RIB RIVER.

Rib River rises in two small lakes, the larger of which, Rib Lake, has an elevation 

of about 1,556 feet. After a course of about 50 miles, the Rib joins Wisconsin River 

a mile below the city of Wausau. Its total descent is 400 feet, an average of 8 feet to 

the mile. A considerable part of this descent is concentrated in the middle third of its 

length.

The first power is found at Marathon, 10 miles from its mouth, where a dam about 80 

feet long develops a head of 18 feet. About 5 miles above, in the city of Rib Falls, a 

dam 100 feet long develops a head of 20 feet. In sec. 24, T. 30 N., R. 4 E., there is an 

undeveloped power with a head of 18 feet.

EAU CLAIRE KIVER.

The Eau Claire enters Wisconsin River 2 miles below the mouth of Rib River, and 

from the opposite (eastern) side. It has a smaller drainage area than that of the Rib, 

and a much larger proportion of its descent is distributed in its lower part.

A total of 148 feet is concentrated at the following points, given in order from the mouth 

of the river.a

Dam-site locations on Eau Claire River.

Location.

Schofield, sec. 12, T. 28 N., R. 7 E.. ....................

Old Kellev, sec. 13, T. 28 N., R. 8 E ....................

Barnards rapids, sec. 23, T. 29 N., R. 9 E. .............

The Dalles sec 7 T 99 N R 10 E

Head.

Feet.

12

25

25

09

40

12

Remarks.

Do.

Do.

Do.

The first three powers are adjacent to the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, and are 

used chiefly for boom purposes.

a Authority: D. L. Plummer, C. E.
EAIT PLEINE AND BLACK KIVEBS. 85

BAU PLEINE RIYEK.

This river has a narrower and smaller drainage area than either the Rib or the Eau 

Claire and is entirely devoid of lakes. Like the latter, it has considerable descent concentrated in its lower reaches, one power with a 15-foot head being located within 2 

miles of its mouth. Following is a summary of its powers:

Dam-site locations on Eau Pleine River.

Sec 18 T ^6 N R

Sec. 24, T. 20 N., R

Sec. 13, T.27N., R

Sec. 4, T.27N., R.

Sec. 24, T. 28 N., R

Location.

0 E .............. ............... .....................

GE............ ........................................

3 E.. ...................................................

3 E................................... ..................

2 E....................................................

Head.

Feet.

15

15

10±

10±

Remarks.

Do.

Do.

BLACK RIVER. 

TOPOGRAPHY A3NTD DRAINAGE.

Black River, hemmed in by the Chippewa on the west and the Wisconsin on the east, is 

restricted to a long and narrow watershed of about 2,270 square miles, a with an average 

width of only 20 miles. At one point the branches of Chippewa River extend to within a 

quarter of a mile of Black River. Unlike that of the Chippewa, about a third of the Black 

River drainage area is in the comparatively level sandstone region, so that the maximum 

watershed available for water powers, namely, at Black River Falls, is only 1,570 square 

miles.a The watershed narrows rapidly as the river is ascended, and at Neillsville, 22 

miles in an air line from Black River Falls, the drainage area is reduced to only 729 square 

miles, a Were it not for this small watershed, the steep gradient of the river and its high, 

rocky banks would insure large water powers. Black River rises at an elevation of about 

1,400 feet above sea level, and after a sinuous course of over 140 miles joins Mississippi 

River at La Crosse. The total descent in this distance is 772 feet, with details as shown in 

the following table:

Profile of Black Riverfront its mouth near La Crosse to near Withee.b

No.

1

3 

4

5 

6

7 

8 

9

Station.

Black River Falls:

Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha RailDells dam, below. ................................

Distance.

From 

mouth.

Between 

points.

Mile*. : Milex.

58. 0 

01.6 

07.0 

71.2 

74.2

. 0

3.0 

3.0 

5.4 

4 2 

3.0 

3.3

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

Feet. 

028

749 

703

766

770 

793 

838 

840 

874

Descent between points.

Total.

Feet.

121 

14

3 

10

17 

4o 

8 

28

Per 

mile.

Feet.

2.2

1.0

2.8 

3.1 

10.4

8.5
86 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Profile of Black River from its mouth near La Crosse to near

No.

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22

Station.

Center sec. 22, T. 24 N., R. 2 W. .................

O'Neill Creek, Neillsville. . ........................

Bridge, sees. 21 ami 28, T. 27 N., R. 2 W. ......... 

Bridge, Fairchild and Northeastern Rwy . .......

Bridge, sees. 20 and 29, T. 29 N., R. 2 W. ......... 

Bridge, Wisconsin Central Rwy., west of Withee. .

Distance.

From 

mouth.

Miles.

78 5

84.8 

S(i.8 

0.8 

98. 8

103.. r. 

107. S 

109.3 

110.3 

113.5

119.0 

125.1

Between 

points.

Miles. 

1.0 

fi.3 

2.0 

4.0 

8.0 

4.7 

4.3 

1.5 

1.0

.1 

0.0

Elevation 

above 

sea levil.

Feet. 

:93 

909 

929 

989 

1,034 

1,070 

1,094 

' 1,105 

1,107 

1, 132 

1,151 

1,107 

1,187

Desent between points.

Total.

Feet. 

19 

16 

20 

GO 

45 

36 

24 

11

25 

19 

10 

20

Per 

mile.

Feet. 

19.0 

2.5 

10.0 

15.0 

5.6 

7.9 

5.6 

7.3 

2.0 

8.0

2.7 

3.6

In the 55 miles below the city of Black River Falls the river flows through the sandstone 

country in a wide valley with low banks, making dam construction very expensive, if not 

entirely impracticable. In the 40 miles next above Black River Falls the river has worn 

its bed into the hard, crystalline rocks, which rise from 10 to 60 fret or more from the water, 

frequently in nearly vertical walls. The descent in this distance is 337 feet, nearly 9 feet to 

the mile. It is only in this stretch that important water powers occur. In the upper third 

of the valley the crystalline rocks frequently outcrop, but the resulting rapids are of less 

importance. The United States Geological Survey maintained a gaging station on Black 

River at Melrose for nine months in 1903, but as the station proved unsatisfactory it was 

abandoned August 1, 1903. Such measurements and observations as were taken are given 

below:

Discharge measurements of Black River near Melrose, Wis., in 1903.

Date. Hydrographer.

.....do............................................

.....do. ....................... ........... .....

.....do............................................

.....do........................ ...................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.30

4.30

'j 90

11.00

3.90

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

a 598

2 982

10,931

a Frozen.
BLACK RIVEE. 87

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Black Hirer near M drone, Wis., December 4,1902, to August

1, 1903.

Day.

1........................... ........

l'.)02.

Dec.

2. ............... ...........'........

3. ....

4....... ....................

6................... .......

7...........................

8...........................

9

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16. ..........................

17...........................

18...........................

19...........................

20...........................

21...........................

22...........................

23...........................

24...........................

25. ......... ...............

20...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29

30...........................

3.75 

3.95

4.00 

3.80 

4.35

4.35 

4.30 

4.35

4.20 

4.20 

4.10 

4.15 

4.10 

4.00 

4.00 

4.05 

4.25

4.00 

4.95 

5.80 

0.05 

5.85 

5.80 

5.65 

5.50

5.35 

5.20

1903.

Jan.

5. 05

5.00 

4.90

4.75 

4. GO 

4.00 

4.50

(") 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

(") 

4.30 

4.30 

4.30 

4.30 

4.20

4.20 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20

Feb.

4.10 

4.10 

4.10 

4.10 

4.10 

4.20 

4.20

4.20 

4.20 

4.30 

4.25 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20 

4.10 

4. 15 

4.00 

3.95 

3.90

3.90 

4.00 

4.00 

4.00 

4.05 

4.10 

4.20 

4.35

Mar.

4.30 

4.35 

4.40 

4.45 

4. GO 

4.75 

( a ) 

0.25

8.20 

9.30 

9.70 

10.75 

12.05 

12.55 

11.55 

9.85 

9.40 

10.35 

11.95 

13.40 

12.90 

11.40 

9.05 

8.05 

7.05 

G.05 

0.02 

G.55 

5.70 

0.55 

5.30

Apr.

5.10

4.85 

5.30 

5.05 

5.90 

0.50 

G.G5 

0.50

0.20 

5.50 

5.00

5.45 

5. GO 

5.95 

5.85 

0.05 

5.00 

5.00 

5.15 

4.50 

4.05 

4.30 

4.30 

4. a") 

4.65 

.85 

5.00 

5.G3 

G.80

May. Juno.

11.00 

10.00 

10.25 

10.50 

9.05 

9.05 

8. 15 

7.00 

0.95 

0.55 

0.10 

0.05

10.00 

12.00 

10.90 

9.15 

7.80 

0.55 

0.50 

G.40 

0.30 

5.90 

0.50 

5.70 

5.80 

5.95 

8.40 

11.85 

12.00 

10.95 

9.50

7. GO

0.00 

4.70 

4.40 

4.30 

4.25 

4.00 

4.00 

3.95

3.95 

3.80 

3.80 

3.80 

3.70 

3.70 

3.70 

3.70 

3.70 

3.70 

3.70 

3.00 

3.00 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50

July. Aug.

3.00 3.75 

0.70 ........

11.20 ........ 

10.90 ........

12.30 ........ 

10.20 ........

7.90 ........

0.90 ........

7.40 ........

8.70 ........ 

7.20 ........

G.70 '........

0.20 ........

5.80 ........

5.30 ........ 

4.50 ........

4.20 ........

4.10 ........

4.00 ........

4.00 .........

4.00 ........

3.90 ........ 

3.90 ........

3.90 ........

3.75 ........ 

3.90 ........ 

4.20 ........

4.00 '........ 

3.80 ........ 

3.75 ........

a Observer absent.

A gaging station was established by the United States Geological Survey at Neillsville 

April 7, 1905, and the following data have been collected:

Discharge measurements of Black River at NeiflsnJle, Wis., in 1905.

Date.

April 7.......

May 24.......

June 13.......

July 11.......

August 11....

September 25.

Hydrographor.

Hanna and Clapp.

S. K. Clapp.......

M. S. Brennon....

.....do............

.....do............

F. W. Haima.....

Width.

Feet. 

192 

105 

192 

101 

151 

163

Area of 

section.

Square 

feet.

1,021

471

945

392

242

419

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per 

second.

3. 5

2.18

3.15

1.56

.93

1.86

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.7

4.95

7.26

4.25

3.3

4.35

Discharge.

Secondfeet.

3,279

1,024

2,978

612

225

780

NOTE. Width is the actual width of water surface, not including piers. Area of section is the total 

area of the measured section, including both moving and still water.
88 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of BlacJc River at Neillsville, Wis.,for 1905.

Day. Apr.

9

4

s

G 8 *>

May.

3.4 

3.4 

4.1 

5.3 

5.2 

4 9

7 7 7 5 n

9. ............. ............ .

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

15...........................

16. ..........................

17...........................

18...........................

19

20... ..................... ...

21...........................

22...........................

23...........................

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28

29...........................

30...........................

0.9 

6.2 

6.0 

5.7 

5.5 

5.1 

4.8 

4.6 

4.3 

3.9 

3.8 

4.2 

3.9 

3.2 

3.1 

3.1 

3.5 

3.4 

3.4 

3.4 

3.4 

3.4 

3.4

4.6 

4.G 

5.9 

6.6 

6.7 

6.2 

10.7 

10.1 

9.2 

8.7 

8.2 

6.6 

6.0 

5.3 

5.1 

4.9 

4.7 

4.3 

4.2 

4.1 

3.9 

3.9 

3.8 

3.8

June. July.

3.7 

3.3 

3.2 

7.7 

14.2 

19.8 

10.5 

11.5 

8.8 

7.6 

8.6 

8.0 

7.1 

6.2 

5.5 

5.8 

11.2 

10.7 

8.6 

7.0 

6.0 

5.2 

4.5 

4.1 

3.9 

3.7 

3.5 

3.3 

3.3 

3.5

4.4 

4.4 

4.9 

6.5 

8.4 

8.0 

6.8 

5.9 

5.3 

4.7 

4.2 

3.8 

3.9 

4.0 

4.8 

4.5 

4.0 

3.8 

4.2 

4.3 

4.0 

3.8 

3.3 

3.1 

3.1 

3.0 

2.9 

2.9 

2. 8 

2.8 

2.7

Aug.

2.7 

2.6 

2.6 

2.6 

2.9

4.2 

4.0 

4.0 

3.5 

3.3 

3.3 

3.3 

3.3 

3.2 

3.0 

2.9 

3.0 

3.0 

3.0 

3.2 

3.5 

3.4 

3.6 

3.4 

3.3 

3.2 

3.0 

3.4 

3.5 

3.3

Sept.

3.3 

3.2 

3.5 

3.4 

3.6 

3.2 

3.1 

3.0 

2.9 

2.8 

2.7 

2.8 

2.7 

2.7 

4.3 

6.0 

6.0 

0.1 

8.6 

8.3 

7.5 

6.3 

5.8 

4.7 

4.2 

3.9 

3.8 

3.7 

3.6 

3.8

Oct. Nov.

3.5 

3.5 

3.4 

3.4 

3.0 

3.0 

3.1 

2. 7 

2. 4 

3.1 

3.0 

3.0 

3.0 

3.0 

4.0 

4.9 

5.4 

5.5 

5.6 

6.6 

6.9 

6.5 

5.9 

5.5 

5.0 

4.6 

4.4 

4.1 

3.9 

3.7 

3 G

3.7 

3.5 

3.5 

3.5 

3.5 

3.7 

4.1 

4.1 

3.9 

3.8 

3.7 

3.7 

3.6 

3.5 

3.4 

3.4 

3.4 

3.4 

3.4 

3.3 

3.2 

3.2 

3.2 

3.5 

4.2 

4.6 

4.5 

4.3 

3.9 

3.7

Dec.

4.0 

4.2 

3.8 

3.7 

3.8 

3.5 

3.5 

3.4 

3.3 

3.4 

3.4 

3.5 

3.4 

3.4 

3.5 

3.4 

3.3 

3.0 

3.0 

3.2 

3.1 

3.1 

3.3 

3.5 

3.5 

3.5 

3.4 

3.4 

3.4 

3.5 

3.5

NOTE. No Ice record at this station. 

Rating table for BlacTc River at Neillsville, Wis.,from April 6 to December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

150

177

205

235

267

301

iSt. Discharge.

Feet. Second-feet

4. 80 990

4.90 1,055

5. 00 1, 120

5.10 1,185

5.20 1,250

5.30 1,315

338 5. 40

379 5. 50

1,385

1.455

424 5.60 1,525

473

525

579

635

092

750

810

870

930

5.70 1,600

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

1,675

1,750

1,825

1,905

1,985

2,065

2,145

2,225

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6. 60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,310

fi. 70 2,395

6. 80 2. 480

6. 90 2, 570

7.00 2,660

7.10

7.20

2,750

2,850

7.30 ' 2,950

7.40 3,050

7. 50 3, 150

7.00 3,250

7. 70 3, 350

7. 80 3, 400

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Second-feet.

8. 40 4, 120

8. 50 4, 230

8. 60 4, 340

8.70

8.80

8.90

4,460

4,580

4,700

9.00 4,820

9.10 4,940

9. 20 5, 060

9. 30 5, 180

9.40

9.50

9.60

7. 90 3, 570 9. 70

8.00 3,680 : 9.80

8.10 ' 3,790

8.20

8.30

9.90

3,900 10.00

4,010

5,300

5,420

5,540

5.660

5,780

5,900

6,020

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on six discharge measure 

iMnts made during 1905. It is well denned between gage heights 3.3 feet and 7.7 feet. Beyond the 

limits of the table the discharge is only approximate.
BLACK EIVER. 89

Estimated monthly discharge of Black Eiver at Neillsville, Win., for 1905.

Month.

April ((V30) .........................................................

July .................................................................

Discharge in seconc 

Maximum. Minimum.

3,900 

0,910 

23.060 

4,120 

635 

4,340 

2,570 

870 

035

177 

207 

205 

80 

60 

80 

20 

205 

150

l-feet. 

Mean.

1,036 

1,768 

3,840 

884 

229 

918 

750 

392 

292

WATER POWERS.

It is many years since Black River was used for lumbering, and as the surrounding country 

is well settled, it seems likely that the near future will see a demand for the available water 

powers. These powers, while not of the largest, are so situated as to be cheaply developed. 

The river has no large tributaries, but nearly all its numerous small feeders are now developed 

and used to run grist and saw mills. At the present time several projects are being exploited 

which look to the employment of these powers by interurban electric railroads and other 

enterprises in near-by cities.

BLACK RIVER FALLS.

The first dam in the river is at Black River Falls and is of timber construction. The 

power developed is owned by the city of Black River Falls, with turbines working under a 

head of 13 feet, and by J. J. McGillivray, with turbines under a head of 16 feet. The present 

tailrace could be lowered 3 or 4 feet, and the crest of the dam could be raised the same 

amount without flooding. This improvement would give a total head of 20 feet. The 

turbines now installed develop about 345 horsepower, which is used to run an electric-light 

plant, a sash and door mill, a wagon shop, and a gristmill.

About 1J miles below the above-described dam is the site of an old sawmill dam, 300 feet 

long, which at one time was made to develop a head of 7 feet.

BLACK RIVER FALLS TO NEILLSVILLE.

Because of the high, rocky banks and high gradient of this river, dams of 15 to 20 feet 

head could be installed nearly every 2 or 3 miles between Black River Falls and Neillsville, 

but only a few of the largest undeveloped powers will be described.

The first dam site above Black River Falls is located near the east line of sec. 2, T. 21 N., 

R. 4 W., just below the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway bridge. At 

this point the rocky banks form a narrow gorge and are high enough to furnish a head of 30 

feet or more. By the use of a short canal this head could probably be increased. This site 

belongs to the Black River Improvement Company, of La Crosse, Wis. Another undeveloped power, similar in all respects, for which a charter has been granted, is at Halcyon, in 

sec. 16, T. 22 N., R. 3 W. A 30-foot dam here would back the water nearly to Hatfield, 3 

miles above. A still more important dam site is located at Hatfield, just above the bridge 

of the Green Bay and Western Railroad. According to surveys made recently it is 

possible to obtain here a head of 50 feet, which could be increased to about 85 feet by means 

of a long canal. Such a dam would create a large pondage by backing up the water for 7 

miles. This would cover up dam sites in sec. 35, T. 23 N., R. 3 W., and also the "Dells 

dam" in sec. 18, T. 23 N., R. 2 W., near the mouth of Wedges Creek. At the latter site a 

head of 25 feet could be easily secured.
90 WATEE POWEKS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

In the 6 miles below Neillsville, between the mouths of O'Neill and Cunningham creeks, 

the river descends 80 feet, 42 feet of which can he easily developed at, Ross Eddy rapids, 

where a large part of this gradient is concentrated. It has been proposed to build a crib 

dam 2.50 feet long, with a crest of 18 feet, at the head of these rapids, and then conduct the 

water through a canal 95 rods long (in earth), thereby cutting off a long bend of the river 

and giving a total fall of 42 feet.a The outlet of such a canal would provide a favorable 

power site, free from any injury from ice jams.

NEIIXSVILLE.

The last important undeveloped water power, known as Westons Rapids and owned by 

V. Huntzicker, of Neillsville, Wis., is located in sec. 2, T. 24 N., R. 2 W., about 1| miles 

above Neillsville. From the head of these rapids near the north line of the NW. \ sec. 2, to 

the south line of same section, a distance of about a mile, the river descends 21.2 feet, a 

The owner proposes to locate a crib dam 250 feet long, with a crest of 18 feet, near the center 

of the section, and by making use of a canal in earth 600 feet long to obtain a head of 24 

feet. A franchise has recently been obtained from the city of Neillsville for the employment of this power in lighting the city and for other purposes.

HEMLOCK DAM.

The most important developed power on the upper river is in sec. 15, T. 27 N., R. 2 W. 

This dam, called the Hemlock dam, has a head which averages 12 feet. Four turbines are 

installed here, with a total of 175 horsepower, used to run a roller flouring mill. The dam 

was originally erected for lumbering purposes.

Because of the unusually steep gradient in the branches of Black River a water power of 

from 10 to 20 feet can be located at frequent intervals on these streams. Several of the 

many mills in such locations report an available head of from 35 to 40 feet. In nearly every 

case timber and rock are found near the dam sites.

RAILROADS.

That portion of Black River containing the important powers is fairly well served by 

railroads. The river is crossed by the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway 

four times, and once each by the Wisconsin Central Railway and the Green Bay and Western Railroad.

CHIPPEWA RIVER SYSTEM.

TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE.

The Chippewa drainage system has its source in over a hundred lakes, large and small, 

with many connecting swT amps, near the Michigan boundary and only 20 miles from Lake 

Superior. The drainage area has a length of 180 miles, a maximum width of 90 miles, 

and an average width of nearly 60 miles. The general direction of the drainage, except in 

the extreme western part, is toward the southwest. ChippewTa River unites with the 

Mississippi at the foot of Lake Pepin, after a course of 267 miles. The total area drained 

by the river is 9,573 square miles, of which about 6,000 include the most unsettled region 

of northern Wisconsin. This area includes the richest forests of the State, of both soft and 

hard timber. Although lumbering operations have been very active here for many years, 

considerable pine timber still remains, chiefly at the upper headwaters, but it is fast disappearing. Most of the large tracts of pine lands are owned by large corporations, and many 

of them are reached by long lines of logging railroads, which in many cases have been 

purchased by the trunk-line railroads and made a part of their systems. The extensive 

use of such railroads has greatly relieved the rivers of the burden of transporting logs, and 

correspondingly added to the value of the rivers for water-power purposes.

The main line of drainage runs very nearly along the central line of the basin, but the 

name of Chippewa River is not given to this continuation of the principal stream. The

a Authority: C. Stockwell, county surveyor.
CHIPPEWA RIVER SYSTEM. 91

river divides 112 miles from the mouth; one branch, the prolongation of the line of drainage, 

called the Flambeau, rises in the lakes near the Michigan line, at an elevation of a little over 

1,600 feet above the sea: the other branch, rising farther west and flowing more directly 

south, receives the name Chippewa. The Flambeau drains 1,983 square miles, while 

Chippewa River, above their junction, drains only 1,777 square miles. About 56 miles 

above this junction the Chippewa again divides into East and West branches, the one flowing 

from the northeast, the other from the north, draining, respectively, 278 and 480 square 

miles.

The lakes of this region are situated in two widelv separated groups, one in the extreme 

northeastern part, at the headwaters of Flambeau River, and the other in the northwestern 

part, at the headwaters of what is known as the main stream and of Red Cedar River. 

The remainder of the area is almost devoid of lakes. The wooded regions, however, 

include very large areas of cedar and tamarack swamps.

GEOJLOGV.

The pre-Cambrian crystalline rocks form the underlying strata in the area above Chippewa 

Falls, while below that point they are replaced by the Cambrian sandstone. The entire 

area above Chippewa Falls is covered with glacial drift, so that the rock appears only in 

the river bed. The country is level or rolling. In the southern part of the area the rivers 

have eroded deeply into the drift and rock, but in the northern portion they have not cut 

much below the surface.

With only a few exceptions (the most notable one at Eau Claire) all the many and 

important water powers on Chippewa River are found in the region of the pre-Cambrian 

crystalline rocks, but because of the deep drift the powers on the upper streams occur as 

bowlder rapids.

PROPOSED RESERVOIR SITES.

According to detailed surveys made by United States engineers, this drainage area is 

favored with an unusual number of excellent sites for reservoirs. A list of these sites, with 

valuable data concerning them, is given in the following table:

Proposed I>nited States Government dams on Chippewa River, a

Location and name.

East Branch Chippewa River:

West Branch Chippewa River:

Total...............................

Dore Flambeau:

Turtle River, Park Lake. . ...............

Length. Maximum height.

Dam.

Fed. 

1.015 

710

1.235 

900 

2(10 

(120

4,740

250 

2,500

170 

250 

297

S 543

Dike Dilm allove 

1 1Jvp ' low water.

Pert. 

200

1(10

100

Feet. 

19. 5

Dike.

Feet. 

8.5

25.7 1.5

ti.5 5.0 

99.0 .

4(10

2.000 

250

2,785

10.0 

15.0 

15.0

10.0 

9.0

15.0

10.5 

10.0

Drainage 

area above 

reservoir.

Sq. miles. 

244. 5

57. fi

214.3 

257.2 

114.0 

3,943.1

4, 830. 7 

40.0 

211.fi 

154.5

(13.0 

39.0 

174.0

5,512.8

Rept. Chief Eng. U. S. Army, 1880, p. 1648.
92 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Proposed United States Government dams on Chippewa River Continued.

Location and name.

East Branch Chippewa River:

Little Chief Lake. ............ 

West Branch Chippewa River:

Pakwawang Lake ............

Chippewa River, Paint Creek..

Total.......................

Butternut Creek, Butternut Lake 

Manitouish River, Rest Lake..... 

North Fork Flambeau, Bear Creek 

Dore Flambeau: 

Round Lake. .................

Turtle River, Park Lake .._.....

Grand total.. . ..............

Supplv (onethird of 30 

inches rainfall) .

Cubic feet. 

5,677,951,910

1,337,627,935 

4,976,626,153

5,972,880,292 

2,647,388,621

91,569.456,760

112,181,931,671

928,908,288 

4.897,100.264 

3,107,280,000

1,382,304,000

864,230,400

4,026,198,428

127,387.953,051

Capacity of 

reservoir.

Cubic feet. 

1,113,148,856

771,332,009 

2, -01, 783, 402

7,692,997,229 

2,647,388,621

505,336,720

14,751,986,837

585, 446, 400 

1,840,000,000 

5,406,567,152

1,303,036,416

731,808,000

620,782,720

25,239,627,525

Surplus over 

reservoir capacity.

Cubic feet. 

4,564,803,054

566,295,926

I 1,234.725,814

91,064,120,040

97,429.944,834

343,461,888 

I 757.813,112

79,267,584

132,422,400

3,405,415,708

102,148,325.526

Supply 

from reservoir for 

90 days.

Sec.-feet. 

143.1

99.2 

f 260.0

{ 989.3 

340.4

65.0

1,897.0

75.3 

J 236. 6 

{ 695.3

167. 6

94.1

79.8

3,245.7

Cost of 

dam and 

dike.

$25, 925

40, 702 

45,090

66,449 

2,492

60,000

240, 658

5,216

7,665 

47,500

10,550

4,000

9,941

325,530

It will be seen from the above table that the systematic operation of these proposed 

reservoirs for this purpose would increase the ordinary low-water flow of the river by 3,245 

second-feet for ninety days a year, thus about doubling the present available water power 

of the river. Estimated upon a run-off of one-fourth of the annual rainfall, assumed at 

30 inches, this increase would be 2,800 second-feet for ninety days.

Experiments now being carried on by the Government in Minnesota on five similarly 

constructed dams will doubtless determine whether the reservoir system at the headwaters 

of the Mississippi will be extended to include any of the above proposed dams. Probably 

the main obstacle to building such reservoirs at the present time by the Government is the 

fact that, owing to the settling up of this region, the land has now become very valuable. 

The total cost would seem to be prohibitive. That the owners of water powers are in 

favor of such Governmental control is certain. Besides adding to the amount of power, 

such a system would prevent, in large measure, the danger to dams by floods. The building 

of even a part of these dams would have marked economic value. Already private enterprise has developed some of the smaller of these reservoirs.

KAILTCOABS.

The logging interests of the river are controlled by the Chippewa Falls Lumber and 

Boom Company, with headquarters at Chippewa Falls, a thriving city of about 10,000 

population. The largest city of this region is Eau Claire, population 17,517, situated at 

the junction of Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers. This city has numerous manufactories 

and sawmills, and is quite a railroad center. From its mouth to Chippewa Falls, Chippewa 

River is paralleled by the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway, and between Eau 

Claire and Chippewa Falls by the Chicago. St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha and the 

Wisconsin Central railways, besides an electric line. Chippewa River, above Chippewa 

Falls, is reached by the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway for a Jistance 

of about 25 miles. In addition, the drainage area is crossed east and west by the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railway and north and south by the Wisconsin Central 

Railway.

Several railroad lines are projected or being iiuilt in this section, and the agricultural 

and manufacturing interests are fast supplanting that of lumber. Where the timber has
CHIPPEWA RIVER SYSTEM. 93

been cut the land is being taken up by settlers, so that there is but little second-growth 

timber. The people seem prosperous, and numerous companies are on the point of investing 

large sums in the manufacturing interests of the neighborhood, thereby utilizing the 

undeveloped water powers.

RAINFALL, AND RUN-OFF.

The extensive forests of this area combine with the numerous lakes and swamps to give 

a naturally uniform flow by preventing the rapid escape of the rainfall into the streams. 

Since 1903 the United States Geological Survey has maintained gaging stations near 

Eau Claire, on Chippewa River, and at Ladysmith, on tho Flambeau. As a result of the 

operation of logging dams, the minimum discharge is found to be only 1.6 per cent of its 

maximum discharge for the year. The following tables give discharge data of Chippewa 

River at Eau Claire, covering the period from November 14, 1902, to August 12,1905, 

and also a monthly summary of the same.

Discharge measurements of CJiippcwa Hirer at Jiighuwy bridge, Shawtown, near Eau Claire,

Wits., 1902 to 1905.

vVidth

Feet.

310

385

370

426

354

322

329

495

457

324

200

427

355

335

Area of 

section.

Square 

feet.

3,666

2,809

2,793

2,509

2,315

2,877

5, 726

3,105

4,761

2,372

3,626

4.637

2,281

2,429

4,272

4,074

5,815

3,770

2,766

3,122

7,118

6,137

2,847

4,004

5,131

3,585

3,062

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per 

second.

3.88

1.03

1.09

.79

.77

1.32

4.62

1.64

3.61

1.83

2.21

3.25

1.54

.99

3.42

3.10

4.52

2.10

.82

1.47

5.43

4.76

.80

3. 66

3. 83

2.09

1.29

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

8.70

4.45

4.60

4.15

3.80

4.85

7.40

11.85

4.70

9.25

5.13

6.20

8.77

4.90

3.80

8.40

7.60

11.25

6.55

4.20

5.25

14.80

13.10

4.44

8.80

10.72

6. 55

5.00

Discharge.

Secondfeet.

11,134

2,871

3,063

ol,979

ol,778

63,818

10,688

26,458

4,107

17,167

4,336

8,032

15,087

3,511

2,454

14,610

12,630

26,270

7,918

2,274

4,581

38,680

29,200

2,281

16,110

19,665

7,489

3,948

a Frozen. 6 Partly frozen.

NOTE. Width is the actual width of water surface, not including piers. Area of section is the total 

area of the measured section, including both moving and still water.
94 WATER POWERS NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Mean <1aily yaqt fitight^ in.feet, of Chippewa River near Eau ClAirc-, Wis., NWemb'er 14,

1902, to Dtcfinlfr 31; 1905-. _

1903.

1.....

2

3.....

4.....

6.....

7, ....

8..,..

*)-.....

10.,...

il.....

12. . ...

13.....

14.....

15.....

16.....

17,.,,.

IS.....

19.....

30.....

31.....

22....

23 .....

24.....

25.....

2ti .....

27

28.

29

30.....

31.....

Nov..

.......

13.70

10.20

12.40

13. 05

12. 60

11.35

9, feO

8.50

7.55

7.40

7.13

7.00

ti.45

(i. 20

fi.OO

r>. 75

5. 55

Dec.

4.45

4.00

4.05

4.U5

4.10

4.25

4.20

4.45

4. 25

4.55

4.25

4.30

4.10

'4.30

4.25

4.30

4.25

4.50

4.70

4.30

4.90

5.10

4.60

4. 50

4. 85

4.50

Jan.

4 30

4. 35

4.15

4.20

3. 90

4. t5

1.40

4.20

4.40

4.80

4. 05

4. 60

4.85

4.30

4.20

 4.30

4. 65

4.40

4.50

4.35

4.35

4.45

3.50

4. 20

4.10

4. 10

3.85

4.15

4.25

Feb.

4.25

4.10

4.05

4.10

4. 05

4. 15

4. 15

4.00

3.85

3.80

3.85

3.90

3.90

3.90

4. 50

4.10

4.15

4.30

4. 25

4.20

3.35

3.80

4. 15

4. 05

3. 90

3. 95

3.83

Mar.

.3 on

3. 75

3. 85

3. 90

3. 75

 3. S5

4.10

4. HO

5. 0";

5.80

6. 00

8.20

8. 05

r.uo

7.00

7. 55

11.80

13. 95

13. 65

12. Ii5

11.70

10. 45

9.40

8.75

8.40

7.75

7.60

7.15

6.80

Apr.

B. 85

7. 15

7. 95

7.40

7. 50

7.90

8. 55

8.00

7. t;o

8.1.5

7.70

7. 65

7. 8(i

7.80

7. 50

6.75

(i. 65

6.85

6. 80

6. 65

ti. 40

6. 40

8.60

ti. 55

7. 15

7.00

7.30

11.70

May.

1'' 80

13. 10

12.15

11. 85

11. 55

10. 90

10.30

9.20

9. 15

7 '. 65

8. 95

12. 00

13. 25

13. 40

13.25

11. 8',

10. 45

9. 90

9. 15

9. 15

9.30

9. 50

9. 05

9. 10

9. 85

10. 20

12. 50

15. 15

16.70

Ifi. 10

June.

(«)

(")

(")

(°)

(a)

(«)

6. 85

5. 45

6. 45

5.95

6.50

3. 90

9.25

3. 75

4. 65

4. 95

4. 95

4. 90

4. 1'O

5. 15

4.70

4. 20

4. 20

4. 15

4. 25

4. 15

6. 75

4. 20

4. CO

4. 95

------

July.

S. 05

10. 60

13. 50

15. 30

15. 20

13. 75

11.30

10. 30

9.40

10.10

9. 95

8.90

8.10

7.80

7.20

6. 50

8. 80

5. 95

6.70

6. 15

5. 70

6. CO

fi.OO

9. 20

5. 25

5.05

5. 20

5. 15

5. 15

5.10

Aug.

5. 05

5.20

5. 85

6,85

9. 10

9.00

11.0'.

6.70

7. 55

7.25

6. 75

6. 85

6.90

9. 65

5. 10

6.80

6.65

6.00

5. 10

5. 15

T, 50

5. 60

5.10

5.15

5.25

4.70

5.45

5.60

5.20

5.60

Sept.

6.45

5. 65

5. 85

,- «r,

6. 45

5. 85

6.30

8.00

8. 05

9. 15

12. 85

14.00

16.75

17.85

18. 50

17. 45

15. 50

13. 45

11.80

10. 50

9. 95

9.15

7.80

7. 60

7.00

7. 65

7.05

7.05

7.05

Oct.

7.00

9.90

11.25

11.65

11.60

11. 15

11.35

10.95

9.95

9.45

9.00

8.80

8.45

7. 75

7.70

7.40

7.55

7.05

7.0.3

6.75

6.70

6. 55

5.30

6. 15

5.95

6.10

6.10

6.10

5.90

Nov.

5.55

5.45

5. 50

*> o ">

5. 20

5. 15

5.10

5. 05

5.00

5.00

5.00

5. 05

5.30

5.40

4. 95

4.95

4. 25

4.40

4. 15

4.20

4. 35

4. 85

4. 95

4.95

4. 90

4. 85

4. 60

Dec.

(a\

( a )

(a)

(<0

( a\

4.30

4. fi5

4.30

4.60

4.70

4. 55

4.50

4.70

4.85

4. 75

4.70

4.60

4.65

4.65

4.60

4.C.O

4.80

4.70

4.80

4.00

4.40

3.40

3.70

3.60

3.60

3.40

Day.

, 1904 b

9

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

8..............

g

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

Jan.

(-4.90

c 5. 15

(-5.00

.......

Feb.

«4. 80

d 5. (30

Mar.

d4. 80

Apr.

6.25

6.72

6.50

6.52

6.60

7.17

7.60

9.10

9. 67

9.72

9.70

9. 05

8.82

May.

8.63

8.28

8.10

8.03

10. 13

8. 50

8.83

9.35

9.25

8. 85

8.78

10. 20

June.

8.45

7. 65

7. 65

8. 85

9.00

10. 95

11.30

10. 85

9.85

8. 92

7. 95

7.80

7.80

7.45

July.

8.10

8.52

8.28

8.02

10.32

10. 12

9. 03

8.93

7.10

7.20

6. 72

6.60

5. 8.8

Aiipr.

4.42

4. ,80

4.38

4.78

4.32

4.12

3. 45

4.62

5. 42

5. 35

4.12

3. 50

Sept.

4.58

5. 05

8.18

7.52

8.30

7.30

7.52

7.12

6.72

7.95

5.03

5.42

5.35

Oct.

6.31

5.24

8.27

5.65

5.30

5 °7

4.82

9. 12

7.86

13. 35

15.07

13. 15

11.38

Nov.

6.84

6.80

6.61

5.91

6.41

6.08

5. 35

5.35

5.60

5. 36

6.27

4.82

Dec.

3.93

3.92

3.93

3.45

4.42

4.28

4.26

4.28

4.37

4.36

4.20

4.34

4.39

4.20

a Observer absent.

fcRiver frozen over January 1 to March 18,1904, but open about 200 to 300 feet above and one-fourth 

mile below bridge.

elce 2.0 feet thick at gage; 1.0 foot in middle of channel. 

<*Ice 2.5 feet thick at gage; 2.5 feet in middle of channel. 

e Ice 2-.0 feet thick at gage; 2.0 feet in middle of channel.
CHIPPEWA RIVEIi SYSTEM. 95

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Chippewa River near Eau Claire, Wis., November 14, 

1902, to December 31, 1905 Continued.

Day.

1904. 

15.............. 

16... ...........

18..............

19.............. 

20..............

21.............. 

 9'?

23..............

25.............. 

2ti. ............. 

27.............. 

28.............. 

29.............. 

30. .............

01

. 1905. 

1..............

3.............. 

4.............. 

5.. ... .......

6.............. 

7..............

8........ ...... 

9.............. 

10..............

11..............

12.............. 

13.............. 

14.............. 

15.............. 

16.............. 

17.. ........... . 

18... .......... .

19..............

20.............. 

21..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26.............. 

27..............

28..............

29.............. 

30. .............

Jan.

« 5. 00

« 5. 00

....... 

<U. 70

( f >

4.3(3

4.40 

.......

4. SO

4. (17

5.17

Feb.

h 5. 10

i'5.30

4.80

5.30 

5. 3(1

Mar.

4.4.3 

4.07 

4.45 

4.37

4.32

5.62

5.95 

6.45 

6.10 

5. 72 

5.05 

5. 10

4.20

.......

4.50

4.30 

4.30 

4. 25 

4.10 

4.50 

4.50 

4. 65

4.40

4.45 

4.55 

5.50 

6.20

7.10

8.90 

10.40 

11.80

13.20 

13.00 

JT 90

Apr.

8.50 

7. 55

7. 50

8.38 

8.20 

8.13

8.05

9. 65 

10. (13 

10. 45 

9. IX 

9. .55 

9. 03

10.20 

11.20 

10. 50 

10.40

10.80 

10.20

9.80 

9.20 

8.90

8.70

7.40 

5. 75 

5. 65 

0.10 

5.75 

0.20 

7.00

5. CO

5.45 

5.40 

5.40 

5.05

5.30

6.30 

5.50 

4.80

5.05 

4. 85

May.

8.00 

8.20

7 92

7. 55 

6.93 

10.30

6. S3

7.33

<J. 20 

12.00 

13.48 

13. 63 

12.02 

10. 67

6.80

5.80 

5.90 

6.50 

7.50

6. 60

7. 60 

7.30 

8.80

7 80

7.90 

7.50 

9.50 

10.70 

12.20 

12.90 

12.00

10. 60

10.20 

9.20 

8. (50 

8. GO

8.00

7.50 

7.70 

7.00

7.10 

7.20

June

7.80 

8. 35

5.50

5. 10 

6.20 

(i. 50 

5. 90

5. SO

8. 95 

5. 55

7.60 

7. 50

(i. 80 

(i. 50 

8.20 

12. 10

19. 20

19. 60 

17.30 

14.50

12. 60 

11. 50 

10.00 

9.40 

8.80 

8.70

12.20

11.30 

10.50 

9. 10

S.SO

7.30 

7.50 

8.70

7.80 

5. 75

July.

5. 07

5. (iO

5. 50 

5.10 

5.47 

5. 05

4. 75

3. 93

4.07 

4. 90 

4.80 

5.00 

4.88 

6.45

7.40 

(1.30 

6. 20 

6. 90

10.40

11.30 

10.10 

7.00

0.90 

6.90 

7.20 

7.10 

7.60 

0.80

6. 60

6. 70 

0.00 

6.40 

5.70

6. 10

5. 55 

4.90 

4.45

5. 30 

4. 45 

4.35

Aug.

3. SO

4. 55

4. 65

4. 78 

7.20

4.68

5. 00 

5. 40 

8.15 

3.58 

5. 5.3 

4.92 

4 a 17

5. 75 

4.35 

4.35 

4.75

5.10

5.05 

5.30 

5.90

4 90

5.45 

5. 10 

5. 35 

5.70 

4.45 

4.45 

5. 60

7.40 

7.30 

8.90

6. 20 

6 40

8.30 

5.30

7.80 

6. 20

Sept.

5. 38 

5. 42

4. SO

4.89 

4.27 

4.30

5.10

5. 76 

8.18 

7.61 

6.93 

9.81 

6. 65

0.20 

5.30 

6.10

6.50

5. 65 

5.75 

5.10

5.35 

0. 90 

5. 85 

5. 40 

5. 55 

7.70

7.00

10.10 

10.80 

10.30 

9 °0

8.40

l\ CA

8.50 

G. 00 

G.OO

7 90 

(i. 20

Oct.

10.30 

/J. 17

8.00

7. 08 

6. 85 

S. 35 

9 25

9.42

8.78 

7. SI 

8.02

7.30

5. 55 

7.80 

5. 55 

4.90

4.90 

7 50

5.00 

4.85 

4.80

7.90 

6.20 

5.90 

5.25 

6.40 

7. 35

8.95 

8. 50 

8.65

7.90

7.20 

7.10 

7.00

6.60 

6.50

Nov.

6.26 

5. 42 

5 30

5.47

5. 20 

4.98 

5.28

5.74

4.77

4.94 

5.10 

4. 85 

4.55 

4. 54 

4. 46

5.70

6. 15 

5. 45 

5.75 

5.65

5.75

6.30 

6.05 

6. 10

5.50 

5,70 

5.80 

5.20 

0. 20 

5.50

5.45 

5.40 

4. 60 

5.20

5.00 

5.20

5.70 

6. 05

5.70 

5.00

Pec.

4.34 

4.32 

4.15

4.19

4.53 

4.29 

4.34

4. 55

4.38

3.31 

4.19 

4.55 

( c )

5.15 

4.85 

5. 65 

4.40

5.40 

5 40

5.90 

5. S5 

5-35

5.30 

5.30 

5.25 

5.00 

4.60 

4.70

4.70 

4.65 

4. So 

4.55

4. 60

4. SO 

4.60

4.55 

4.70

a Ice 2.0 feet thicker tit gage; 1.0 foot in middle of channel. 

& Ice 2.5 feet thick at gage: 2.5 feet in middle of channel, 

c River frozen December 2S to 31.

dice 2.0 feet thick at gage: 2.0 feet ii. uiiddle of channel.

e River frozen entirely across a^ gage January 1 to February 2S: March 1 to 17, ice gradually disappeared. Thickness of ice, 2 to ? j feet. Gage heights are to water surface in a hole in the ice.
96 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Rating table for CJlippewa River near Eau Claire, Wis.,from November 30, 1902, to March

12, 1903.a

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.2

Discharge.

Second-feet.

840

3. 3 ' 940

3.4 1,055

3.5 1,190

3.6 1,335

3.7

3.8

,3.9

1,490

1 , 655

1,825

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.0

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

Discharge.

Second-feet.^

1,985

2,165

2,345

2, 535

2,735

2,940

3,150

Gage 

height. Discharge.

Feet. \Second-feet.

4.7

4.8

4.9

5.0

5.1

5.2

5.3

3,370

3,610

3,850

Gage 

height. Discharge.

Feet. ^Second-feet.

5. 4 ' 5, 150

5.5

5.6

4,110 5.7

4,370 5.8

4, 630 5. 9

4,890 6.0

5,410

5, 670

5,930

6,190

6,450

6,710

a To he used only when river is frozen.

Rating table for CJlippewa River near Eau Claire, W is., from March

1, 1903.

1903 to December

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.8

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,160

3. 9 2, 340

4.0

4.1

2,530

2,730

4. 2 2. 930

4. 3 3, 130

4.4

4.5

4.6

3,330

3,540

3,760

4. 7 3, 980

4. 8 4, 200

4.9

5.0

0.1

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

4,420

4,640

4,860

5,090

5,330

5,570

5,810

6,050

height. ! ^charge.

Feet. Second-feet.

5.7 6,290

5. 8 6, 530

5.9

6.0

6.1

6.2

6.3

6.4

6.5

6.6

6.7

6.8

6.9

7.0

7.1

7.2

7.3

7.4

7.5

6,770

7,010

7,270

7,530

7,790

8,050

8,310

8,570

8, 830

9,090

9,350

9,610

9,890

10,170

10,450

10, 730

11,010

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge. ^fj^

Second-feet.

7.6 11,310

7.7 11,610

7.8 11,910

7. 9 12, 210

8. 0 12, 510

8.2 13,150

8. 4 13, 790

8.6

8.8

9.0

14, 450

15, 130

15,810

9. 2 16, 530

9.4

9.6

9.8

10.0

10.2

10.4

10.6

10.8

17,250

17,990

18,750

19, 510

20,270

21,030

21,790

22,550

Feet.

11.0

11.2

11.4

11.6

11.8

12.0

12.5

13.0

13.5

14.0

14.5

15.0

15. 5

16.0

16.5

17.0

17.5

18.0

i

Discharge.

Second-feet.

23, 310

24, 070

24, 830

25,500

26,350

27,110

29,010

30, 910

32, 810

34,710

36, 610

38,510

40, 410

42, 310

44, 210

46,110

48,010

49, 910

Rating table for CJlippewa River near Eau Claire, W is., from January 1 to December 31, 1904-

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.0

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

5.0

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,780

1,980

2,180

2,390

2,610

2,840

3,080

3,330

3,590

3,850

4,120

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.1

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

5. 7

5.8

5.9

6.0

6.2

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4,390

4,660

4,930

5,200

5,480

5,760

6,040

0, 320

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.4

6.6

6.8

7.0

7.2

7.4

7.6

7.8

6, CIO 8. 0

6, 900 8. 5

7,490 !

Discharge.

Second-feet.

8,100

8,720

9,350

9,990

10, 650

11,310

11,970

12, 630

Gage 

height.

Feet.

9.0

9.5

10.0

10.5

11.0

11.5

12.0

13.0

13, 290 ' 14. 0

14,980 15.0

Discharge.

Second-feet.

16, 680

18, 380

20,080

21,780

23, 480

25, 210

26,960

30,500

34, 480

40,000
CHIPPEWA RIVER SYSTEM. 97

Rating table for Chippewa River near Eau Claire, W is., from January 1 to December 31,1905.

nVight. "Charge.

Feet. Second-feet.

3.50

3. 60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

750

9GO

1,170

1,380

1.590

1,800

2,010

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Second-feet.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.40 4,830 | 7. GO

5.50 5,050 I 7.80

5. GO 5, 280

5. 70 5, 510

5. 80 - 5, 740

5.90 5,970

0. 00 0, 200

2,220 0.10 0,430

2, 430 0. 20 0, 000

4.40 2,040

4. 50 2, 850

4.00 3,070

4. 70 3, 290

4. 80 3, 510

4. 00 3. 730

o. 00 3, 950

5. 10 4. 170 

5.20 4,390

5.30 4,(ilO

0. 30 ii, 900

0. 40

(i. 50

G. GO

0.70

G. 80

0.90

7.00 

7.20

7.40

7,140

7,380

8.00

8.20

8.40

8. GO

8.80

9.00

9.20

9.40

9.00

9.80

7, 030 10. 00

7,880

8,130

8, 390

10.20

10.40

10. (iO

8, G50 10. 80 

9,180 11.00

9,720 11.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

10,290

10, 870

11,450

12, 030

12,010

Gage 

height. Discharge

Feet. Second-feet.

11.40 22,410

11.60

11.80

12.00

12. 20 '

13,200 12.40

13,800

14,400

15,000

15, 020

1(5, 200

1G, 920

17, GOO

12. GO

12.80

13. 00

13.20

13.40

13. GO

23, 160

23,950

24, 750

25,550

26,350

27,150

27, 950

28,750

29, 560

30, 390

31,240

13.80 32,110

18,280 14.00 33,000

18, QUO 14.20 33,900

19,040 14.40 34,800

20,320 14. GO i 35,700 

21,000 14.80 ' 36,600

21,690

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 15 discharge measurements made during 1904-5. It is well defined between gage heights 5 feet and 13 feet. The table has 

been extended beyond these limits.

Estimated monthly discharge of CTiippeira River at Eau Claire, Wis., 1902 to 1905. 

[Drainage area, 0,740 square miles.]

Run-off.

Depth.

Inches.

1.39

.41

.44 

.31 

1.98 

1.86 

4.23 

'1.44 

2.51 

1.48 

3.24 

2.32

Rainfall."

Inches.

5.82

1.92

.45

.86

2.28

3.07

6.45

1.95

7.70

5.35

7.58

3.57

a Rainfall for 1902 and 1903 is the average of the recorded precipitation at the following stations: 

Butternut, llayward, Medford, Barroii, and Eau Claire; that for 1904 includes the same stations with 

the addition of 'Stanley and Prentice.

b May 31 estimated.

< 1 to 6, inclusive, estimated.

IKK 156 06-
98 WATER POWEES OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Estimated monthly discharge ofChippewa Bilker at Eau Claire, Wis., 1902 to 1905 Continued.

Date.

1903.

1904.

March 19-31 ............. ................

July.....................................

December 1-27 ...........................

1905. 

March 18-31 .............................

April....................................

June ................ .................. .

July... ..................................

October. ............. . ...........

November. ..... .. ......

December ............. ........

Discharge,

Maximum.

Minimum.

Sec.-feet. Sec.-feet. 

5,930 2,830 

3,980 1,055_

51,810 840

8, 255 

22.220 

32.900 

24,510 

21,170 

13,790 

19, 430 

40,400 

9,478

2,9fiO

1,920 

7,640 

7,790 

4,390 

1,647 

650 

2,264 

3,642 

2,748 

380

Mean.

Sec.-feet. 

4,562

2,855

Run-oft.

Per 

square 

inch.

Depth.

Sec.-feet. Inches. 

0. 68 0. 76 

.42 .48

10,395 1.54 21.05

4,622 

14,550 

16,960 

12,600 

8,525 

3,778 

7,801 

15, 170 

5,576 

2,230

31,240 

24,750 

28,350 

60,520 

22,050 

14,100 

20,320 

14,250 

7,380 

5,970

2,640 

3,510 

5,740 

5,625 

2,535 

2,535 

3,730 

3,510 

3,070 

2,010

.686 

2.16 

2.52 

1.87 

1.26 

.561 

1.16 

2.25 

.827 

.331

13,510 

10, 184 

12, 666 

20, 368 

8,626 

5,867 

8,970 

8,041 

5,437 

3,821

.332 

2.41 

2.90 

2.09 

1.45 

.647 

1.29 

2.59 

.923 

.332

2.00 

1.51 

1.88 

3.02 

*28 

.870 

1.33 

1.19 

.807 

.567

Rainfall.

Inches. 

0.96 

.84

41.77

.51 

1.05 

1.56 

2.01 

4.33 

6.14 

3.13 

4.27 

4.86 

5.59 

.17 

1.79

35.41

1.04 

1.68 

2.17 

3.26 

1.48 

1.00 

1.48 

1.37 

.900 

.654

WATER POWERS.

CHIPPEWA BELOW JUNCTION OF FLAMBEAU RIVER.

Topography and drainage. The following descriptions of the water powers on Chippewa 

River between its mouth and the junction with Flambeau River were largely obtained from 

a manuscript report of a hypsometric survey of this part of the river made by the United 

States Geological Survey during the summer of 1903.o Between the mouth of the river 

and Chippewa Falls a very careful primary level was run, while between Chippewa Falls and 

the mouth of the Flambeau, in addition to taking levels, a topographic survey was made of 

the river bank and the area immediately adjacent. Between the mouth of the Chippewa 

and that of the Eau Claire, a distance of 48.4 miles, this survey showed that there was a 

descent at low water of about 106 feet, or about 2.3 feet per mile. Because of the uniformity 

of this low gradient, and also because of the width of the stream and of the adjacent bottom 

lands, there are no opportunities for water powers until Eau Claire is reached. Details of 

descent and apportionment of drainage areas are shown in the following tables:

a The survey of that portion of the river between Watkins Landing, Minnesota, and Chippewa Falls, 

Wis., was under the charge of Geographer J, H, Renshaw. Above Chippewa Falls the work was in. 

pharge of Geographer H. M. Wilson, " " - -
CHIPPEWA RIVER SYSTEM. 99

Profile ofCTiippewa River from its mouth to sources of East and West branches.^

No.

1

2 

3

4 

5

6

7 

8

9 

10 

11 

12

13 

14

15 

16 

17

18 

19

20 

21 

22

23 

24 

25 

26

27 

28 

29

30

31 

32 

33

34 

35 

36

Station.

Dalles paper mills:

Chippewa Falls:

Eagle rapids: 

Foot ............................................

Head...........................................

Jim Falls: 

Foot ............................................

Head.............. ..... ...... .............

Colton rapids: 

Foot............................................

Head ..................... .'. ....................

Bob Creek. .........................................

Chev alley rapids:

Head ...........................................

Brunett Falls: 

Foot. ..........................................

Head ...........................................

Holcombe rapids: 

Foot ............................................

Bruce, sec. 28, T. 32 N., R. 6 W .....................

EAST BRANCH.

Goose Eye rapids head (foot Little Chief Lake) .... 

Snaptail rapids (Hunters Lake) : 

Foot ............................................

Head ...........................................

Cedar rapids: 

Foot ............................................

Head ...........................................

Distance.

From 

mouth.

Miles. 

0

45.5

48.8

49.4 

49.4

64.4 

64.4 

69.9

72.4 

73.6 

75.1

80.1 

81.0

82.3 

83.6 

87.3

90.1 

91.3

91.4 

92.4 

93.9

97.1 

97.6 

97.6 

104.1 

107.7 

124.2 

162.7

164.7

166.7 

168.2 

170.7

173.2 

175. 7 

178.2

Between 

points.

Miles. 

0

45.5 

3.3

.6 

10.0

14.5 

50.0 

5.5

2.5 

1.2 

1.5 

2.3

2.7 

.9

1.3 

1.3 

3.7

2.8 

1.2

1.0 

1.5

3.2 

.5 

.0

6.5 

3.6 

16.5 

38.5

2.0

2.0 

1.5 

2.5

2.5 

2.5 

2.5

Elevation 

above 

sea-level.

Feet. 

\ 6680.0 

j c 664.0 

770.0 

770.0

772.0 

793.0

806.0 

839.0 

852.0

854.0 

867.0 

871.0 

881.0

901.0 

936.0

942.0 

945.0 

954.0

961.0 

966.0

967.0 

993.0 

995.0

1,004.0 

1,020.0 

1,036.0 

1,036.0 

1,050.0 

1,059.0 

1,280.0

1,323.4

1,325.2 

1,368.8 

1,374.5

1,404.0 

1,420.0 

1,432.9

Descent 

between points.

TotaL rmte.

Feet.

}.......

106.0 

.0

2.0 

21.0

14.0 

33.0 

13.0

2.0 

13.0 

4.0 

10.0

20.0 

35.0

6.0 

3.0 

9.0

7.0 

5.0

1.0

26.0 

2.0

9.0 

16.0 

16.0 

.0 

14.0 

9.0 

221.0

43.4

1.8 

43.6

5.7

29.5 

16.0 

12.9

Feet. 

0

2.3 

.0

3.3

1.0

2.4

.8 

10.8 

2.7 

4.3

7.4 

39.0

4.6 

2.3 

2.4

2.5 

4.2

10.0 

26.0 

1.3

2.7 

32.0

.0 

4.0 

.5 

5.6

21.7

.9 

29.0 

2.3

11.8 

6.4 

5.1

U. S. engineers. 

6 High water. 

t Low water.
100 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Profile of Chippewa River from its mouth to sources of East and West branches. Continued.

No

37 

38 

39 

40 

41

42 

43

44

45 

46 

47

Station.

Distance.

Prom 

mouth.

EAST BRANCH. Continued. Miles.

River, water level, sec. 19, T. 42 N., R. 2 W. .......

Glidden Station. ................................

WEST BRANCH.

Moose Lake:

186.7 

190.2 

201.7 

223.7

164.5

168.7

178.7 

178.7 

185.7 

20.ri. 7

1

Between 

points.

Miles. 

3.5

5.0 

3.5 

11.5 

22. 0±

1.8 

6.0

10.0 

.0 

7.0

Elevation 

above 

sea-level.

Feet. 

1,442.0 

1, 462. 0 

1,463.8 

1,509.3

1,286.0 

1,287.2

1,358.8 

1,361.9 

1,384.4

Descent 

between points.

Total.

Feet. 

9.1 

20.0 

1.8 

45.5

6.0 

1.2

71.6 

3.1 

22.5

Per 

mile.

Feet. 

2.6 

4.0 

.5 

4.0

3.3

.2

7.2

^ o

Distances and drainage areas of Chippewa River.

River.a

Flambeau:

Yellow:

Eau Claire:

Red Cedar:

Distance 

from the 

junction of 

East and 

West 

branches, 

map 

measure.

Miles. 

0

14

36

53

53

90

90

113

113

142

165

Drainage 

area above 

station.

Sq. miles. 

757

988

1,383

1,777

3,761

4,926

5,384

6,659

a Station is at mouth of river, unless otherwise stated.

Eau Claire. The first dam site is located about 2| miles below the mouth of Eau Claire 

River. According to a recent survey by the city engineer, a head of 7 feet could be obtained 

here. On account of its proximity to the city of Eau Claire, this power would have especial 

value. Before improvement there were two rapids in the river between Eau Claire and 

Chippewa Falls, one 1.25 miles above the Eau Claire, called the Lower Dalles, with a descent 

of 104 feet in a little over 2 miles; the other about 4 miles below Chippewa Falls, called the 

Upper Dalles, with a descent of 9 feet in about 2 miles.
0. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEV 

0 Miles 5 10 1>0 25 IK) :i5 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 

PROFILE OF CHIPPEWA RIVER FROM REEDS LANDING, MIN

CHIPPEWA RIVEK SYSTEM. 101

The dam 2 miles above Eau Claire, owned by the Dells Paper and Pulp Company, is of 

the, square-timber, crib type on a sandstone foundation. It is about 600 feet long, 19 feet 

high, 3 feet wide at the top, and with a base of about 8 feet. Eight splash boards are used 

on the crest when necessary, giving a head of 26 feet. It would be possible to increase the 

height of the dam so as to develop 32 feet, and a bill authorizing this increase is now (March, 

1905) pending before the State legislature. Such a dam would back the water nearly to 

Chippewa Falls, 15 miles above, greatly adding to an already very large pondage. This is 

the most important manufacturing plant on the river. The turbine installation is 

reported as follows:

Dells Paper and Pulp Company's turbine installation, 2 miles aboiv Eau Claire.

Purpose. Horsepower. 

Paper mill................................ ... ........ ................1,396

Pulp mill................................................................. 4,918

Electric light and power.................................................... 1, 632

Waterworks............................................................... 300

8,246

Chippewa Falls. In the 14^ miles between the Dells dam and Chippewa Falls no power 

sites are found, the river having a nearly uniform slope of 1 foot to the mile. At the latter 

place, however, is a wooden dam 800 feet long, with a head of 30 feet, owned by the Chippewa Falls Lumber and Boom Company. This dam supplies power for a large sawmill 

and also a plant furnishing the city of Chippewa Falls with water and electric light. The 

dam could be made several feet higher, as *he local conditions are favorable, but this 

would interfere with a proposed plant at Paint Creek rapids, 2i miles upstream, to which 

point the water now backs. The owners have developed only about 20 feet of head, but 

this could be increased to the full head of 30 feet by blasting and cleaning out the river to 

the wagon bridge below. The power and light company leases 1,000 horsepower, using a 

head of 29 feet.

The next rapids, known as Paint Creek rapids, are 2i miles above the Chippewa Falls 

dam. A flooding dam 526 feet long, with a crest 10i feet above low water, was formerly 

maintained here. A dam about 800 feet long, with a head of 14 feet, could be constructed 

at the foot of the rapids at this point. The banks and bed appear to be sand, intermingled 

with large bowlders. Stone for construction is abundant and near at hand, and it is 

likely that a rock foundation could be easily obtained.

Eagle rapids, 4i miles farther upstream, in lot 3, sec. 16, T. 29 N., R. 8 W., is a good 

site for a dam, owned by F. G. & C. A. Stanley, of Chippewa Falls. A dam 60 feet long 

and 20 feet high would back the water three fourths of a mile above the city of Chippewa 

Falls, where O'Neils Creek enters from the west. One mile above the mouth of O'Neils 

Creek, in sec. 10, T. 29 N., E,. 8 W., is a gorge 700 feet wide, where a 25-foot dam would 

have solid sandstone for foundations and abutments and would back the water almost 

to the foot of Jim Falls, fl miles above. Such a dam would develop 5,000 theoretical 

horsepower.

Jim Falls. Near the small station of Jim Falls, on the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, occurs the best opportunity for water-power development on Chippewa Eiver. It is 

owned by W. L. Davis, of Eau Claire. Formerly an old flooding dam was located here. 

The river flows over a series of granite ledges 1 to 4 feet high, while the banks seem to be 

of the same rock, covered by a few feet of sandy soil. This power is now under development, a company having purchased all the land needed. Tha proposed dam, 28 feet high, 

will be located at the head of the rapids. It is designed to furnish power for a pulp mill 

near the foot. The total head obtained by this plant will be 55 feet. Fig. 4 shows the plan 

of the proposed development. Water is to be conducted from the dam by a canal extending on the left bank for a distance of about 5,000 feet to high bluffs 100 feet from the river 

bank. The power house will be on the river bank immediately below. The dam will back
102 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

the water nearly to Brunett Falls, 9J miles above, and will cover the Colton and Chevalley 

rapids.

Brunett Falls. One of the best powers on Chippewa River, and one most cheaply developed, is found at Brunett Falls (PI. Ill, 5), located in sec. 18, T. 31 N., R. 6 W. It belongs

°W'er Plan*

FIG. 4. Plan of proposed water-power development at Jim Falls (Davis Falls).

to Cornell University, which also owns the adjacent land as well as the water rights. The 

best location for the dam would be about 650 feet above the foot of the rapids, where a 

35-foot dam would back the water up to the rapids at Holcombe, 5J miles above. The 

river at the dam site is narrow (70 or 80 feet), while the banks are high, granite ledges.
CHIPPEWA RIVER SYSTEM. 103

A dam here would create a large reservoir. It is stated that the plans contemplate a dam 

200 feet long. A steel wagon bridge has recently been built across the river immediately 

below the dam site.

Holcombe dam. The next power is at Holcombe, about 3 miles below the mouth of Jump 

River, where the Chippewa Falls Lumber and Boom Company maintains a timber dam, with 

a head of about 17 feet. This is the third dam that has been built here, the others having 

been washed out by freshets. As the lumber interests are fast declining, the present dam is 

being allowed to decay. For power purposes it should be replaced by a more substantial 

structure. The river here has a rock bottom, with rather low clay sides, but an 18-foot 

dam could be constructed on the site of the present structure, which, together with a 

15-foot dam at the foot of the rapids just below (sometimes called Little Falls), would 

develop about all the head at this point and would not flood any more valuable lands above. 

This would back the water above Deertail Creek and furnish considerable storage.

Mouth of Flambeau. Of the 14 feet of descent in Chippewa River between Holcombe 

and the mouth of the Flambeau 10 feet are concentrated in the first mile below the latter 

point. It is very likely that a dam on this reach would easily develop 15 feet of head.

It is worthy of note that all the water powers on Chippewa River thus far described 

are reached by one or more railroads. Because of their availability many of the above 

powers are likely to be developed in the near future. Their importance is emphasized 

by the following statement: Of the 244 feet descent in the Chippewa between Chippewa 

Falls and the mouth of the Flambeau, 116 feet are concentrated in 5 falls and rapids. 

The building of 10 dams would economically develop a total of 213 feet head in this distance of 43 miles. When fully developed these powers will rival in importance the extensive 

developments on lower Fox River between Appleton and Green Bay.

BRANCHES AND UPPER WATERS.

Topography and drainage. The following statements in regard to the water powers of 

upper Chippewa River, not being based on a hydrographic survey, are necessarily incomplete. Statements concerning profile, etc., are based on the survey and maps of this 

region made in 1880 by United States engineers in connection with the reservoir surveys. 

Distance and drainage area data are shown in the following table:

Length and drainage area of the upper tributaries of Chippewa River.

River.

Red Cedar .........................................................................

Length 

(map 

measure).

Miles. 

35

60

20

155

65

65

65

95

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

480

278

176

1,983

721

458

899

1,957

In the 16§ miles between the mouth of the Flambeau and Bruce Chippewa River descends 

only 0.8 foot per mile, but in the 38J miles between Bruce and the confluence of East 

and West branches of the Chippewa, in sec. 2, T. 39 N., R. 6 W., the river descends 216 

feet, an average of 5.6 feet per mile. This steep gradient is certain to produce many 

good powers. This reach is, however, devoid of railroads except a few logging roads. 

One of these undeveloped powers, called Belills Falls, is located in sec. 26, T. 38 N., 

R. 7 W. Its owner, the John Arpin Lumber Company, reports that this power is capable
104 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

of producing a head of about 30 feet. It is near Radison, on the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway.

East Branch of GTiippeira. Three nnportant rapids occur in East Branch of Chippewa 

River. Between Little Chief Lake and the confluence of East and West branches, a distance of 2.7 miles, there is a descent of 43 feet. Between these points there is a series of 

rapids, "the bed of the river being literally paved with bowlders. The banks are from 

10 to 20 feet high and the drift a reddish clay." These are known as the Goose Eye rapids. 

Two or three dams could develop a head of about 40 feet.

Above Hunters Lake, in sees. 22 and 23, T. 40 N., R 5 E., occur the Snaptail rapids, 

with an aggregate descent of 43.6 feet.

Cedar rapids, the last of importance on this branch, with a descent of 16 feet, are located 

in sec. 9, T. 40 N., R. 4 W., and in the 2 miles above. The total descent between Blaisdell and Bear lakes is about 58 feet, all in a*distance of "\ miles. Between Bear and Little 

Chief lakes the banks vary frcnn 4 to 50 feet in height. A logging dam has been maintained 

at the head of the rapids, in sec. 26, T. 41 N., R. 4 W., which had a height of 10 feet. Measurements made here by United States engineers on June 20 and July 12, 1879, with the 

river respectively 0.6 and 2.1 feet above low-water mark, showed a discharge of 381 and 

472 second-feet. The river at this point is 153 feet wide.

West Branch of Chippewa. West Branch of the Chippewa River has a drainage area 

of 480 square miles, or 200 square miles more than East Branch, but its descent is considerably less rapid. The river has its source in several large lakes at about 1,380 feet above 

sea level. The first imdeveloped power is located about li miles above the confluence 

of the two branches, in sec. 34, T. 40 N., R. 6 W., where the hills approach within 900 

feet. The river at this point has a width of 121 feet, and here United States engineers 

made surveys for a dam with a head of 25^ feet, which gave a very large reservoir area. 

A 15-foot head could probably be obtained at reasonable expense. Four measurements 

made by United States engineers on August 6, 1879, at a stage only 0.2 foot above low 

water gave a mean discharge of 360 second-feet, or 0.75 second-feet per square mile of 

drainage area. This large low-water run-off is double that estimated for this drainage area. 

The excess may be explained by the steadying action of the large lakes near the headwaters of this river.

In the 10 miles between Moose and Pakwawang lakes West Branch descends 71.6 feet, 

including a series of rapids with sluggish water between. The banks are generally from 

20 to 30 feet high, with clay soil.a

Court Oreilles River. Court Oreilles River has its source at an elevation of 1,287 feet in a 

lake of the same name. The group of lakes forming its headwaters have a total area of about 

16 square miles. A dam at this outlet would need to have a length of 260 feet to secure a 

head of 5 feet, and would store a supply sufficient to deliver 255 second-feet for ninety days 

at times of low water. The river is from 50 to 60 feet wide, and in the first 3 miles of its 

eourse is sluggish. Thence to its mouth it furnishes a series of rapids, with still reaches 

between. The most important rapids, known as the Court Oreilles, are situated within 3 

miles from the mouth of the river, which at this point flows over ledges of the pre-Cambrian 

rocks. The river is crossed at its middle point by the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and 

Omaha Railway, where the water surface has an elevation of 1,240 feet. This shows a 

descent of 47 feet in 10 miles between this point and the lake. The lower half of the river is 

reached by the above railway. Unlike either East Branch, West Branch, or any other 

neighboring branches of the Chippewa, Court Oreilles River drains a region with a very open 

sandy soil. A measurement made by United States engineers, October 25,1879, at a stage 

0.3 foot above low water, showed a discharge at the mouth of Lake Court Oreilles of only 28 

second-feet from a drainage area of 114 square miles. It seems likely that, because of the 

character of the soil, part of the run-off escapes underground to the west into Namekagon 

River.

oRept. Chief Eng. U. S. Army, 1880, p. 15(52.
CHIPPEWA RIVER SYSTEM. 105

Upper powers. Because of their present isolation from railroads, the chief use of dams 

which have been maintained on the upper headwaters of Chippewa River would lie in their 

operation as reservoirs to improve the powers below. Their location is shown in the 

following table:

Damn on upper water?; of C~hippeira Hirer.a

1

2 

3

4 

5 

6

8 

9

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15

Location.

Chippewa River: 

NW. 1 sec. 2S, T. 32 X., R. 6 W. . .

Sec. 22, T. 33 N,, R. 8 W .................. ..........

Sec. 28, T. 32 X., R. f, W . . . . .....

West Branch: 

SW. } SW. } sec. 32, T. 42 N., R. 5 W .......................

NE ; SE. i sec. 14, T. 41 N., K.f> W. ....................... 

Outlet to Pokegama Lake, N W. ] NW. \ soc. 32, T. 4(1 N., R. H W . 

T.ittle Chief River, NE. }NE. } sec. 2(1, T.40N., R. 7 W. .......... 

Last Branch, NW.}.SE. } sec. 2rt, T.41 N., R.4 W. ..........

Thornapple River: 

Sec. 10, T. 35 N., R. fi W ....................................

Sec. 20, T. 3SN., R. 4 W..... ..... ....... . . . ..........

Sec. 4, T. 38 N., R. 4 W.. . ........... . ..........

dimensions. 6

Height.

Ftft.

9

17

8 

*20

8 

(i 

10

*18 

*1S 

*12 

*15

*20

Length.

Fret. 

625

123 

* 300 

347 

108 

142 

5H4

*800 

*400 

* 250 

* 250 

* 325

*300

Reservoir 

capacity.

Cubic feet. 

133,333,000 

153,331,000 

334,53(5,000

430,000,000

300,000,000

a Authority: Nos. 1-4 nnd (1-9, United States engineers: 5 and 10-15, Chippewa Lumber and Boom 

Company.

b Dimensions marked with an asterisk (*) were estimated by the owner. The Chippewa Lumber and 

Boom Company.

TRIBUTARIES OF C'HIPPEWA RIVER.

FLAMBEAU RIVER.

Drainage and water powers. In size of drainage area Flambeau River ranks first among 

the tributaries of the Chippewa. Indeed, because of its central location in the drainage 

basin, it might properly be regarded as the prolongation of the main stream itself. Regardless of its size, however, its water power must, in large part, continue for some time unused, 

because of its forested location and its lack of railroad facilities. The settling of this area 

will eventually justify the extension of present railroads and the building of new ones. 

Flambeau River is crossed near its mouth (at Ladysmith) by the Minneapolis, St. Paul and 

Sault Ste. Marie Railway, near its center (at Park Falls) by the Wisconsin Central Railway, 

and at, its upper headwaters by the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. Between Park 

Falls and Ladysmith is a reach of 70 miles unserved by railroad, and yet with no point at a 

greater distance than 15 miles from the present railroads. It is significant that the two 

points with transportation facilities, Ladysmith and Park Falls, have established large paper 

and pulp mills and other manufactories. The unusually steady flow, the soft water, and the 

proximity of almost unlimited quantities of pulp wrood should make this river a center of the 

paper and pulp industry. Transportation alone is lacking.

Flambeau River has its source in the largest number of lakes and connecting swamps 

with the greatest aggregate storage capacity of any river in the State. This storage capacity 

has been increased in many cases by lumbering dams built at the lake outlets, but as yet 

many opportunities for the storing of surplus waters remain unimproved. These lakes lie 

in the highest portion of the State, at elevations varying from 1,560 to 1,650 feet or more 

above the sea. The levels show that the river descends 570 feet in a distance of 150 miles,
106 WATER POWEKS OF NOKTHEKN WISCONSIN.

or about 3.8 feet per mile. A large part of this fall is known to be concentrated at numerous 

falls and rapids. In the 19 miles between the mouth of the river and Ladysmith the descent 

is 42 feet. A company has recently been formed to construct a dam with a head of 20 feet 

at a point 6 miles below Ladysmith, in sec. 18, T. 34 N., R. 6 W., and the work of construction is already begun. The next developed power above the mouth is found at Ladysmith, 

where a timber dam 350 feet long develops a head of 16 feet. This power is used to run a 

paper and pulp mill and also for the manufacture of wooden ware.

There are no developed powers on Flambeau River for 70 miles above Ladysmith, but a 

fall of 353 feet in this distance insures many undeveloped powers. Two of these, Little Falls 

and Big Falls, are of special importance. The former is located in the NW. \ sec. 21, T. 35 

N., R. 5 W., and is owned by A. J. McGilvary and B. D. \7iles, of Chippewa Falls. A 15-foot 

dam at the head of the first rapids would give a head of about 25 feet at the foot of the 

rapids a short distance below. Big Falls, owned by the John Heim Company, of Tony, 

Wis., is located 6 miles above Little Falls, in sec. 35, T. 36 N., R. 5 W. There is a descent 

of 25 feet here in a short distance, concentrated in three pitches. A view of one is shown 

in PI. V, A. No accurate survey has been made of either fall, but the owner of Big Falls 

estimates that a 25-foot dam at the head of the rapids and a canal about five-eighths of a 

mile to the end of the rapids would give a 60-foot head. Both falls occur over ledges of 

pre-Cambrian crystalline rock.

At Park Falls the Flambeau Paper Company has constructed two dams; one, half a mile 

above the railroad crossing, in sec. 13, T. 40 N., R. 1 W., and one about a mile below, in 

sec. 25, T. 40 N., R. 1 W. Each dam furnishes an average head of 16 feet. The upper 

plant has installed 13 turbines, rated at 1,300 horsepower, while at the lower plant about 

1,100 horsepower has been installed.

There are other rapids in sees. 28, 32, and 33, T. 41 N., R. 1 E., and levels taken by United 

States engineers showed a fall here of 24 feet in 2 miles. Again, in sees. 3 and 4, T. 41 N., 

R. 2 E., below the junction of Turtle and Flambeau rivers, is a similar fall of 25 feet. Above 

this point the river is much smaller and has lower gradient, though bowlder rapids are of 

frequent occurrence.

The lack of railroad transportation on this watershed will postpone the utilization of 

its many large water powers until the region is more thickly settled and better served by 

railroads.

Profile. No Government surveys have been made in the 46 miles above Big Falls, 

so that reliable data regarding water powers along this portion of the river are almost 

entirely lacking. Above Park Falls United States engineers have run levels in connection 

with the reservoir surveys, thus furnishing valuable hypsometric data. Information concerning the river profile from mouth to headwaters, with the exception noted above, is 

fairly complete, and is summarized in the following table:

Profile of Flambeau River from its mouth to Boulder Lake.a

No.

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6

Station.

#

SW. \ sec. 34, T. 34 N., R. 7 W, .....................

Ducomon rapids, NW.i sec. 23, T.34N., R.7 W .....

SW. isec. 1, T. 34 N., R. 6 W....... ................ 

Ladvsmith. below dam .............................

Distance.

From 

mouth.

Miles. 

0.0

7.0 

11.0 

15.0 

15.75 

24.25

Between 

points.

Miles.

7.0 

4.0 

4.0 

.75 

8.5

Elevation 

above sea 

level.

Feet. 

1,050.0

1,064.0 

1,070.0 

1,081.0 

1,088.4 

1.099.0

Descent between points.

Total.

Feet.

14.0 

6.0 

11.0 

7.4 

10.6

Per 

mile.

Feet.

2.0 

1.5 

2.7 

10.0 

1.25

o Authority: No. 1-26, II. S. Geol. Survey: 27-30. U. S. engineers Because of an error in the 

assigned elevation of the initial bench mark, 15 feet is added to the U. S. engineer elevation to correct to sea-level datum.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER NO. 158 PL. V

A. LOWER PITCH OF BIG FALLS, FLAMBEAU RIVER.

B. COPPER FALLS, BAD RIVER.
i
CHIPPEWA RIVER SYSTEM. 107

Profile of Flambeau River from its mouth to Boulder Lake Continued.

No

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29

Station.

*

NW. i sec. 25, T. 35 N., R. 6 W..... ................

Little Falls, foot of.................................

Little Falls, head of (sec. 21, T. 35 N., R. 5 W.) . . . . . 

NE.isec. 15,T.35N., R. 5 W. .....................

Big Falls, foot of (NW. i sec. 2, T. 35 N., R. 5 W.) . 

NW. | sec. 8, T. 39 N., R. 1 W.. ...... ..........".....

South line sec. 33, T. 40 N., R. 1 W..................

Sec. 35, T. 40 N., R. 1 W-, west line of...............

Below dam, sec. 25, T. 40 N., R. 1 W., west line of..

Park Falls railroad bridge, west line sec. 24, T. 40 

N., R.I W........ ................................

Center sec. 28, T. 41 N., R. 1 E ......................

Sec. 12, T. 41 N., R. 1 E., W. J stake ................

Sec. 4, T. 41 N., R. 2 E., W. { stake.................'

Rest Lake, mouth of (sec. 8, T. 42 N., R. 5 E.) . . . . . .

Distance.

From 

mouth.

Miles. 

24.25 

28.0 

32.0 

32.8 

36.8 

40.3 

86.2 

91.2 

94.2 

 95.0 

95.0

96.6 

98.3 

98.5 

104.3 

107.1 

112.5 

115.8 

119.0 

134.0 

146.0 

153.5 

163.0

Between 

points.

Miles. 

0.0 

3.75 

4.0 

.8 

4.0 

3.5 

45.9 

5.0 

3.0 

54.7 

0.0

1.6 

.5 

.2 

5.8 

2.8 

5.4. 

3.3 

3.2 

15.0 

12.0 

7.5 

9.5

Elevation 

above sea 

level.

Feet. 

1,115.3 

1,115.4 

1,131.4 

1, U7. 4 

1,166.7 

1,177.0 

1,421.8 

1,429.6 

1,438.0 

1,454.0+ 

1,470.0+

1.470.0 

1,466.8 

1,481.0 

1,482.5 

1,499.2 

1,510.8 

1,516.0 

1,541.4 

1,568.0 

1,587.0 

1,592.0 

1,625.0

Descent between points.

Total

Feet. 

16.3 

.1 

16.0 

16.0 

19.3 

10.3 

244.8 

7.8 

8.4

2.8 

14.2 

1.5 

16.7 

11.6 

6.2 

25.4 

26.6 

19.0 

5.0 

33.0

Per 

mile.

Feet.

4.0 

20.0 

4.8 

«3.0 

5.3 

1.5 

2.8

5.6

.2 

6.0 

2.0 

1.8 

7.6 

1.8 

1.6 

.66 

3.5

Rainfall and run-off. Like all the northern rivers of the State the minimum flow of 

Flambeau River occurs in severe midwinter weather, or during very dry summers in the 

months of July and August. At present there are not sufficient discharge data covering 

periods when the river is frozen to construct an accurate rating curve for such periods. 

Because of the extensive forest and the numerous lakes and swamps, an ordinary flow of 

0.8 second-foot per square mile of drainage area would seem conservative. By the proper 

regulation of present dams at the headwaters it is likely that this discharge could be considerably increased.

In February, 1903, the United States Geological Survey established an observing station 

at the Ladysmith dam, and has taken daily gage readings since. Discharge measurements 

are taken by current meters and are being continued so that in time an accurate estimate of 

the river's discharge will be available. The following tables give such daily observations:
108 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

discharge measurements, and computations as have become available since the establishment of the station, and also a record of rainfall for the corresponding period:

Discharge measurements of Flambeau River near Ladysmith, Wis.,for 1903,1904, and 1905.

Date.

1903.

June 16............

1904. 

May 16............

August 29.........

October 12. ........

1905. 

April 8............

May 23.. ..........

July 12............

September 23......

Hydrographer.

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do.... ..........................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

F. W. Hanna............. ..........

S. K. Clapp............... ..........

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

Width.

Feet. 

325

366

349

361

342

350

350

349

343

364

129

357

354

353

345

353

A.rea of 

section.

Square 

feet.

472

1,871

1,330

1,927

703

1,430

995

1,579

1,271

1,333

1,448

733

702

1,653

1,537

1,292

1,232

1,015

1,404

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per 

second.

1.64

1.77

2.80

3.70

1.91

2.95

2.69

3.36

3.07

3.15

2.99

2.07

2.21

3.37

3.49

2.69

2.67

2.54

1.84

3.02

Gage, 

height

Feet. 

16.20

18.95

17.40

18.97

iaoo

18.10

16.85

18.05

17.21

17.88

17. 45'

16.06

16.01

18.58

18.27

17.60

17.35

16.80

15.66

17.75

Discharge.

Secondfeet.

773

3,312

3,727

7,113

1,345

4,222

2,681

5,303

3,899

4,203

4,321

1,517

1,554

5,588

5,367

3,474

3,288

2,576

1,144

4,236

a Frozen. 6 Log jam below.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Flambeau River near Ladysmith, Wis., February 15,

1903, to December 31, 1905.

Day.

1903.

2......................

3......................

4......................

6......................

7......................

8......................

9......................

10......................

11......................

12......................

13......................

14......................

15......................

16......................

17......................

18......................

19......................

Feb.

16.00

16.10

16.05

16.00

15.90

Mar.

16.60

16.10

16.30

16.50

16.60

16.10

16.50

16.50

16.05

16.45

ia35

16.35

16.60

16.15

16.20

16.30

18.25

Apr.

16.80

16.90

16.90

17.05

16.40

16.90

17.45

17.35

17.25

17.25

17.30

17.25

17.50

17.40

17.20

1&95

17.00

16.90

May.

18.40

19.05

19.10

19.10

18.80

18.70

17.95

18.25

18.80

19.55

19.80

19.65

19.55

19.40

19.45

19.05

June.

19 80

19.65

18.95

18.60

17.55

17.55

17.30

16.95

16.60

16.75

16.80

16.30

16.15

16.35

16.50

16.05

16.05

15.85

July.

15.65

16.15

18.10

18 90

19.05

19 20

18.70

18.60

18.75

18.55

18.30

17.85

17.70

17.65

17.60

17.35

17.35

Aug.

18.20

18.00

17.90

17.80

17.70

17.50

17. 30.

17.30

17.20

17.00

Sept.

16.70

16.30

16.80

16.90

16.90

17.30

18.20

18.20

18. 00

18.40

19.00

19.80

20.40

20.50

20.50

20.30

20.00

Oct.

17.20

17.30

17.60

19.65

19.70

19.35

19.25

19.30

18.95

18.65

18.45

18.25

17.90

17.85

,17.80

17.50

17.35

Nov.

16.25

15.85

15.85

15.85

15.85

15.90

15.65

15.70

15.85

16.00

15.85

15.85

15.80

15.80

15.75

15.80

15.00

15.50

Dec.

15.90

15.75

15.95

15.60

15.80

15.80

16.95

15.80

14.70

16.50

16.33

16.30

16.50

16.45

16.55

16.35

ia40

16.70

16.60
CHIPPEWA RIVER SYSTEM.

Profile of Flambeau River from its mouth to Boulder Lake Continued.

107

No

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18

19 

20 

21

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29

Station.

NW. Jsec. 25, T. 35 N., R. 6 W. ....................

Little Falls, foot of .................................

Little Falls, head of (sec. 21, T. 35 N., R. 5 W.I.....

NE. i sec. 15, T. 35 N., R. 5 W. .....................

Big Falls, foot of (NW. i sec. 2, T. 35 N., R. 5 W.) . 

NW. J sec. 8, T. 39 N., R. 1 W.. .....................

South line sec. 33, T. 40 N., R. 1 W. .................

Sec. 35, T. 40 N., R. 1 W., west line of ...............

Below dam, sec. 25, T. 40 N., R. 1 W., west line of. . 

Above dam ........................ ................

Park Falls railroad bridge, west line sec. 24, T.40 

N., R.I W ................... ....................

Below tail race upper dam, Park Falls .............

Center sec. 28, T. 41 N., R. 1 E ......................

See. 12, T. 41 N., R. 1 E., W. J stake ................

Sec. 4, T. 41 N., R. 2 K., W. \ stake. ................

Rest Lake, mouth of (sec. 8, T. 42 N., R. 5 E.). .. . ..

Distance.

From 

mouth.

Miles. 

24.25 

28.0 

32.0 

32.8 

36.8 

40.3 

86.2 

91.2 

94.2 

^5.0 

95.0

96.6 

98.3 

98.5 

104.3 

107.1 

112.5 

115.8 

119.0 

134.0 

146.0 

153.5 

163.0

Between 

points.

Miles. 

0.0 

3.75 

4.0 

.8 

4.0 

3.5 

45.9 

5.0 

3.0 

54.7 

0.0

1.6 

.5 

.2 

5.8 

2.8 

5.4 

3.3 

3.2 

15.0 

12.0 

7.5 

9.5

Elevation 

above sea 

level.

Feet. 

1,115.3 

1,115.4 

1,131.4 

1,147.4 

1,166.7 

1,177.0 

1,421.8 

1,429.6 

1,438.0 

1,454.0+ 

1.470.0+

1.470.0 

1, 466. 8 

1, 481. 0 

1,482.5 

1, 499. 2 

1,510.8 

1,516.0 

1,541.4 

1,568.0 

1,587.0 

1,592.0 

1,625.0

Descent between points.

Total

Feet. 

16.3 

.1 

16.0 

16.0 

19.3 

10.3 

244.8 

7.8 

8.4

2.8 

14.2 

1.5 

16.7 

11.6 

6.2 

25.4 

26.6 

19.0 

5.0 

33.0

Per 

mile.

Feet.

4.0 

20.0 

4.8 

«3.0 

5.3 

1.5 

2.8

5.6

.2 

6.0 

2.0 

1.8 

7.6 

1.8 

1.6 

.66 

3.5

Rainfall and run-off. Like all the northern rivers of the State the minimum flow of 

Flambeau River occurs in severe midwinter weather, or during very dry summers in the 

months of July and August. At present there are not sufficient discharge data covering 

periods when the river is frozen to construct an accurate rating curve for such periods. 

Because of the extensive forest and the numerous lakes and swamps, an ordinary flow of 

0.8 second-foot per square mile of drainage area would seem conservative. By the proper 

regulation of present dams at the headwaters it is likely that this discharge could be considerably increased.

In February, 1903, the United States Geological Survey established an observing station 

at the Ladysmith dam, and has taken daily gage readings since. Discharge measurements 

are taken by current meters and are being continued so that in time an accurate estimate of 

the river's discharge will be available. The following tables give such daily observations:
108 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

discharge measurements, and computations as have become available since the establishment of the station, and also a record of rainfall for the corresponding period:

Discharge measurements of Flambeau River near Ladysmiih, Wis.,for 1903, 1904, and 1905.

Date.

1903.

April 8.. ..........

July 11............

October 23.........

1904.

August 29.........

September 20......

1905.

May 23............

July 12............

September 23......

Hydrographer.

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do......... .... . . . ..

.....do..............................

E. C. Murphy.......................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

S. K. Clapp.........................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

.....do..............................

F. \V. Hanna............. ..........

Width.

Feet. 

325 

366 

349 

361 

.342

342 

342, 

364 

348

350 

350 

349 

343 

364

129 

357 

354 

353, 

345 

353

Area of 

section.

Square 

feet.

472 

1,871 

1,330 

1,927 

703 

1,430 

995 

1,579 

1,271

1,333 

1,448 

733 

702 

1,653

1,537 

1,292 

1,232 

1,015 

623 

1,404

Mean j Gage . 

velocity. ] height

Feet per 

second.

1.64 

1.77 

2.80 

3.70 

1.91 

2.95 

2.69 

3.36 

3.07

3.15 

2.99 

2.07 

2.21 

3.37

3.49 

2.69 

2.67 

2.54 

1.84 

3.02

Feet. 

16.20 

18.95 

17.40 

18.97 

16.00 

18.10 

16.85 

18.05 

17.21

17.88 

17. 45. 

16.06 

16.01 

18.58

18.27 

17.60 

17.35 

16.80 

15.66 

17. 7S

Discharge.

Secondfeet.

773 

3,312 

3,727 

7,113 

1,345 

4,222 

2,681 

5,303 

3,899

4,203 

4,321 

1,517 

1,554 

5,588

5,367 

3,474 

3,288 

2,576 

1,144 

4,236

a- Frozen. 6 Log jam below.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Flambeau River near Ladysmith, Wis., February 15,

1903, to December 31, 1905.

Day.

1903. 

1... ...................

2

3 .... .... 

4......................

0

9............ .......... 

10......................

11......................

12......................

13......................

14......................

16...................... 

17...................... 

18...................... 

19......................

Feb.

16.00

16. 10 

16. 05 

16.00 

15.90

Mar.

16.15 

16. 60

16.50 

16.10

16.30

16.50

16. 00

16. 50 

16.50

16.05

16.45

16.35

16.35

16. 60

16.15 

16.20 

16.30 

18.25

Apr.

17.00 

16.80

16.90 

16.90

17.05

10. 40

16.90

17.45

17.35 

17.25

17.25

17.30

17.25

17.50

17.40

17.20 

16.95 

17.00 

16.90

May.

18.30 

18.40

18.60 

19.05

19.10

19.10 

18.80

18.70 

17.95

18.25

18.80

19.55

19.80

19.65

19.55 

19.40 

19.45 

19.05

June.

19.80 

19.65

18.95 

18.60

18.10

17.55

17.55 

17.30

16. 95 

16.60

16.75

16.80

16.30

16.15

16.35

16.50 

16.05 

16.05 

15.85

July.

15.65 

16.15

17.25 

18.10

18 90

19.05

19.20

18.70 

18.60

18.75

18.55

18.30

17.85

17.70

17.65 

17.60 

17.35 

17.35

Aug.

18.20

18.00

17.90

17.80

17.70

17.50

17.30 

17.30 

17.20 

17.00

Sept.

17.00 

16.70

16.80 

16.30

16.80

16.90

16.90 

17.30

18.20 

18.20

18.00

18.40

19.00

19.80

20.40

20.50 

20.50 

20.30 

20.00

Oct.

17.20 

17.30

17.60 

19.65

19.70

19.35

19.25 

19.25

19.30 

19.35

18.95

18.65

18.45

18.25

17.90

17.85 

17.80 

17.50 

17.35

Nov.

16.00 

16.25

15.85 

15.85

15.85

15.85

15.90 

15.65

15.70 

15.85

16.00

15.85

15.85

15.80

15.80

15.75 

15.80 

15.00 

15.50

Dec.

15.90 

15.75

15.95 

15.60

15.80

15.80

16.95 

15.80

14.70 

16.50

16.33

16.30

16.50

16.45

16.55

16. 35 

16.40 

16.70 

16.60
CHIPPEWA RIVER SYSTEM. 109

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Flambeau River near Ladysmiih, Wis., February 15,1903, 

to December 31, 1905 Continued.

Day.

1903. 

20..............

22 

23..............

24..............

25..............

26..............

°7

28..............

29..............

30..............

31... ..........

Day.

1904. 

1... ...........

9

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12....... ......

13. .............

14..............

15. ............. 

16..............

17..

18..............

19..............

20....... ......

21..............

22....... ......

23.............. 

24.............. 

25.............. 

26..............

27

28. .

29..............

30..............

31..

Jan.b

16.75

16.95

10.75

16.85 

17.00

16.50

16. 65

16.70

16.60

16.55

16.70 

16.75

16.65

16. 30

16.75

16.75 

16. 65 

16.70 

16. 70

16.45

16. 65

16. 60

Feb.

16.00

15.90

16. 05 

16.00

16. 25

16.00

15.95

16.25

1

i

Feb.<-

16.75

16.75

16.80

16.70

17.00

16.90 

16.95

Ifi. 95

10. 95

17.55

17. 00 

16.60 

17.00 

16.90

17.00 '

16.95 '

16.95 '

Mar.

20.35

19.30

18.50 

18.45

17.30

17.60

17.25

17.00

Mar.b

17.00

17.05

17.05 

17.15

16.95

17.40

17.05

i 7 qr»

17.20

17.20 

17.00

17.15

17.05

17.05

16. 85 

17.15 

16.95 

16. 95

17.15

17.05

17.20

Apr.

16.85

16.90

16. 05 

16.65

17.30

17.30

17.15

17.20

17.40

18.45

Apr.e

16.90

17.20

16.90

17.00

17.10

17.10

17.15

17.05

17.25 

17.20

17.10

17.00

16.85

16.85 

16.65

17.20 

17.20 

18.00 

18.40

18.45

18.50

18.50

May.

19.20

19.25

18.85 

19.15

18.90

19.00

19.55

20.60

21.45

21.45

21.20

21.45

May.

18.70

18.55

18.35 

18.45

18. 00

19.20

19.15

18.90

18.80

18.15

18.01 

17.95

18.01

18.03

17.05

17.03 

17.01

17.04 

17.06 

18.40 

19.00

19.30

18.80

18.40

.Tune.

15.80

15.85

15. 95 

15.65

15.90

15.60

15.85

15.60

15.70

15.95

15.80

June.

17.50

17.40

17.43 

18.00

18.02

17.90

17.22

17.10

17.25

17.15

16.60 

16.55

16.32

15.95

15.88 

16. 15

15.95 

16.35 

16.55 

16. 70

17.05

17.05

July.

17.20

17.15

16.70 

16. 70

16.70

16. 80

(«)

(«)

(«)

(a\

(a\

(«)

July17.58

17.77

19.90 

18.82

18.88

18. 75

18.05

17.95

17.70

17.25

16.40

10. 30

16. 12 

16.15

10.00

15.60

15.80

15.95 

15.85

15.80 

15.70 

15.85 

16.15

16.76

16.75

15.70

15.25

15.55

Aug.

17.00

17.10

16.90 

16.70

16.80

17.10

16.80

17.00

16.90

10.80

10.70

16.80

Aug.

15.15

15.40

</>

(» 

15.60

15.72

15.13

15.40

15.75

15.92

15.85

16.00

15.90

15.90

15.85 

16. 02

15.90

15.95

15.75

16.00 

10. 20

10. 35 

16.45 

16.65 

16.45

16.45

16.20

16.10

16.27

16.15

Sept.

19.70

19.30

18.90 

18.50

18.20

18.00

17.70

17.85

17.50

17.30

17.20

Sept.

16.25

16.30

16.38

17.78

17.20

17.03

16.00

16.40

16. 32

16. 45

16.15 

16.05

16.15

16.00

16. 00 

15.90

15.95 

15.95 

16. 40 

16. 40

16.40

16.45

16.40

Oct.

17.25

17.25

17.15 

17.05

17.00

16.80

17.00

16.80

16.55

16.65

16. 05

16.20

Oct.

(< )

(')

(0

( e > 

16. 05

16.05

16.10

17.05

18.70

18.60

18. 43

18.30 

17.85

17.20

16.95

17.15

17. 25

17.60 

17.80

17.75 

17.75 

17.85 

17.75

17.55

17.65

17.70

17.22

Nov.

15.50

15.45

15.25 

15.40

15.65

15.45

15.55

15.85

15.80

15.80

15.85

Nov.

17.25

17.30

17.20

16.90 

16.70

16.80

16.20

16.15

16. 05

15.55

15.45

15.82 

15.28

15.72

15.70

15.60

15.45 

15.82

15.27 

15. 55 

15.72 

15.70

15.55

15.40

14.95

15.55

Dec.

' 16.67

16.67

16.67 

16.66

17.00

16. 69

' 16.66

' 16.50

16.10

16.80

16.70

Dec.d

15.65

15.05

14.50 

15.15

15.30

15.57

15.55

15.25

15.30

15. 35 

15.45

15.35

15.50

15.57

15.70 

15.72

15.68 

15.60 

15.65 

15.70

16.10

15.75

15.80

16. 30

16.40

o Chain gage stolen.

^Frozen from January 1 to March 30, when ice begins to break. Ice varied from 6 to 18 inches in 

thickness.

c Ice conditions March 31 to about April 10.

d Ice conditions during December.

' Weight gone.

/Key lost; no gage height taken on August 3 and 4.
110 WATEE POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Flambeau River near Ladysmith, Wis., etc. Continued.

Day.

1905. 

1.. ............

2..............

3..............

4....... .......

5........:,.....

6........!'.....

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19.-.-.---..--..

20..............

21..............

22..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

(a \

10.3

16.6

16.7

16.6

Feb.

16.4

16.5

16.7

16.6

Mar.

16.80

16.00

16.45

16.35

16.25

17.10

17.90

18.20

18.60

Apr.

18.80

18.40

19.00

19.20

18.90

18.40

18.20

17.40

17.20

17.20

18.20

18.10

17.60

17.20

16.55

16.55

17.00

16.15

16.05

17.40

17.40

17.00

16.80

May.

16.8

16.8

Hi. 8

17.0

17.3

17.4

17.4

17.5

17.8

17.8

18.0

18.2

18.6

IS 4

18.0

17.6

17.4

17.2

18.0

17.8

17.6

17.4

June.

17.40

16.25

16.40

18.70

17.60

17.50

17.70

19 40

18.00

17.70

17.70

July.

17.70

17.60

17.50

17.60

18.60

10 AA

10 f;fi

18 90

17.40

17.00

17.00

10. 35

10. 40

16.15

1 c f;fi

15.80

15.70

15.55

Aug.

15.80

15.90

15.80

le 7E

i c Qc;

15.40

15.32

1 E 4C

16.60

17.00

17.20

17.00

Sept.

16.90

16.60

16.90

17.00

17.00

16.20

16.25

16. 25

16.80

17.05

17.70

17.80

18.40

17.80

17.20

16.70

16.20

Oct.

16.55

16.35

16.25

15.80

1 ^ Q^

16.75

17.00

17.65

17.20

17.35

17.45

16.80

16.55

16.30

Nov.

16.15

16.15

1 K. nc

16.30

16.20

16.25

i c or

15.90

15.75

16. 60

15.90

Dec.

16.15

15.85

16.20

1 C QC

16.10

15.90

15.70

15.70

15.70

15.95

15.45

15.65

15.65

15.70

16.75

16.00

16.15

16.10

« River frozen entirely across January 1 to March 23. March 11-23 there was water on the ice. Gage 

heights are to water surface in a hole in the ice. The following comparative readings were also made:

Date.

February °5

Water 

surface.

Feet. 

16.3

16.6

16.7

16.6

16.4

16.5

16.7

16.8

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

16.4

16.8

16.9

16.9

16.9

16.9

17.1

17.8

Thickness.

Feet. 

0.7

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.7

1.7

2.0

1.8
CHIPPEWA EIVEE SYSTEM. Ill

Rating table for Flambeau River near Ladysmith, Wis.,from March 19, 1903, to December 1,

1903.a

Gage 

height. Discharge.

Feet. Second-feet.

15.0 530

15.1

15.2

15.3

15.4

15.5

15.6

15.7

15.8

15.9

16.0

16.1

16.2

555

600

665

745

hSl 'Discharge.

Feet.

16.3

16.4

16.5

Second-feet.

1,765

1,925

2,085

16.6 2,245

16.7

825 16. 8

915

1,010

1,110

1,220

1,340

1,465

16.9

17.0

2,405

2,575

2,755

2,960

17.1 3,180

17.2 3,400

17.3

17.4

1,610 17.5

3,620

3,840

4,060

Gage 

height.

Feet.

17.6

17.7

17.8

17.9

18.0

18.1

18.2

18.3

18.4

18.5

18.6

18.7

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4,280

4,500

4,720

4,940

5,160

5,380

5, BOO

5,820

6,040

6,260

6,480

6,700

Gage 

height.

Feet.

18.8

18. S

19.0

19.2

19.4

19.6

19.8

Discharge.

Second-feet.

6,920

7,140

7,360

7,800

8,240

8,680

9,120

20.0 9,560

20.2

20.4

20.6

21.0

10,000

10,440

10,880

11,760

P

oMade from measurements between gage heights 16 and 18.95 feet. Curve above and below these 

points is approximate. To be used only for open river.

Rating table for Flambeau River near Ladysmith, Wis.,from January 1, 1904, to December

31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

15.0

15.1

15.2

15.3

15.4

15.5

15.6

15.7

15.8

15.9

Discharge.

Second-feet.

567

596

637

690

755

832

921

1,022

1,135

1,260

Gage 

height.

Feet.

16.0

16.1

16.2

16.3

16.4

16.5

16.6

16.7

16.8

16.9

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,399

1,542

1,686

1,830

1,974

2,118

2,262

2,406

2,550

2,695

Gage 

height.

Feet.

17.0

17.1

17.2

17.3

17.4

17.5

17.6

17.8

18.0

18.2

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,841

2,990

3,143

3,300

3,461

3,626

3,795

4,145

4,511

4,893

Gage 

height.

Feet.

18.4

18.6

18.8

19.0

19.2

19.4

19.6

19.8

20.0

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,291

5,704

6,120

6,539

6,959

7,379

7,799

8,219

8,639

Rating table for Flambeau River near Ladysmith, Wis.,from January 1 to December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

15.00

15.10

15.20 

15.30

15.40

15.50

15.60

15.70

15.80

15.90

16.00

16.10

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

600

670

745 

825

910

1,000

1,090

1,185

1,285

1,390

1,500

1,615

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

16.20

16.30

16.40 

16.50

16.60

16.70

16.80

16.90

17.00

17.10

17.20

17.30

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

1,735

1,855

1,980 

2,110

2,245

2,385

2,530

2,680

2,835

2,995

3,160

3,330

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

17.40

17.50

17.60 

17.70

17.80

17.90

18.00

18.10

18.20

18.30

18.40

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

3,510

3,700

3,890 

4,090

4,300

4,510

4,720

4,930

5,140

5,350

5,560

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

18.50

18.60

18.70 

18.80

18.90

19.00

19.20

19.40

19.60

19.80

20.00

Discharge

Second-feet. 

5,770

5,980

6,190 

6,400

6,610

6,820

7,240

7,680

8,120

8,560

9,000

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on discharge measuremeats made during 1903-1905. It is not very well defined,
112 WATEK POWEKS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Estimated monthly discharge of flambeau River near Ladysmith, W is., for 1903,1904, and 1905. 

[Drainage area, 2,120 square miles.]

Date.

1903.

July....................................

The year . ..........................

1904.

July.....-...--....---.--..---...--.......

1905. a 

March °4-31

May .....................................

July.....................................

Discharge.

Maximum.

Sec.-ft.

10,330 

6,150 

12.750 

9,120

10, 660 

8,900 

1,685

6,339 

7,379 

5,034 

8,429 

2,334 

4,109 

5,912 

3,300 

1,974

Minimum.

Sec.-ft.

833 

1,925 

5,050 

915

1,765 

1,400 

530

2,334

2, 856 

1,234 

662 

607 

1,260 

1,470 

555 

390

5,980 

7,240 

5,980

8, 340 

7,240 

3,100 

5,560 

3,990 

2, 245 

2,045

Mean.

Sec.-ft.

860 

2,736 

3,266 

8,187 

2, 749 

4,598 

3,431 

5,777 

4,807 

1,054

..........

Run-off.

Per 

square 

mile.

Sec.-ft.

0.41 

1.29 

1.54 

3.86 

1.30 

2.17 

1.62 

2. 72 

2.27

rn 

. iXJ

Depth.

Inches.

0.21 

1.49 

1.72 

4.45 

1.45 

2.02 

1. 33 

3.03 

2.62 

.56

3,389 

5,183 

2,890 

2,834 

1,336 

2,056 

3,517 

1,410 

951

1,795 

1,558 

2,530 

1,795 

1,000 

825 

1,735 

1,045 

1,090 

955

1.60 

2.44 

1.36 

1.34 

.630 

.970 

1.66 

.668 

.449

3,384 

3.867 

4,090 

5,223 

2,950 

1,669 

2,839 

2,305 

1.010 

1,449

1.78 

2.81

1.54 

.726 

1.08 

1.91 

.745 

.518

1.60 

1.82 

1.93 

2.46 

1.39 

.787 

1.34 

1.09 

.762 

.683

Rainfall, a

Inches. 

0.46 

.90 

2.57 

3.69 

6.04 

1.64 

8.70 

5.66 

8.53

.94

.87

43.23

.43 

1.11 

1.76 

1.77 

4.64 

5.64 

2.14 

5.01 

4.70 

5.61 

.19 

2.39

35.43

.476 

2.03 

2. 22 

2.74 

1.60 

.907 

1.50 

1.26 

.850 

.787

a Rainfall for 1903 is the average of the recorded rainfall at Butternut, Medford, and Eau Claire; 

that for 1904 omits Eau Claire and adds Prentice and Minocqua. 

£» February 15 to 28, inclusive. 

c July 1 to 25, inclusive, 

d August 10 to 31, inclusive.

c Estimates April and December made as if open channel. 

/ Discharge estimated for August 3 and 4 and October 1 to 4. 

ffNo estimate for ice period.
CHIPPEWA RIVER SYSTEM. 113

Tributaries ofFlanibtau River. Dore Flambeau River, the south branch of the Flambeau, 

rises at an elevation of 1,582 feet above the sea, in a group of a dozen lakes, the largest being 

Long Lake. Its total drainage area is 742 square miles. After a very rapid course of about 

60 miles it joins the main stream in sec. 31, T. 37 N., R. 3 W. In the 27 miles between Long 

Lake and Fifield the river descends 146 feet, or 5.4 feet to the mile. Its gradient below 

Fifield has not been determined, but it is known to have many important falls and rapids. 

One of the largest of these, located in sec. 33, T. 37 N., II. 3 W., has a total fall of 35 feet. 

Owing to its lakes and swamps this river has a much more uniform flow than any of the 

Chippewa tributaries farther south. Dams are maintained by the Chippewa River Improvement Company at the outlet of Long Lake and at Fifield. The same company maintains 

logging dams on Elk River in sec. 11, T. 37 X., R. 2 W., and also in sec. 14, T. 37 N., R. 1 

W., with flowage of 1^ and 2\ square miles, respectively. These and other logging dams 

within this drainage area are listed in the following table:

Lo<i!/i)i<j daitis titahitainc.il on tributaries of Flambeau River.a

N'o.

1

2

3

4

5

0

q 

10 

11

Location.

Dorc Flamlieau River:

Sec. Hi, T. as X., R

Socs. 23-21 i, T. 40 N

Flambeau Lake, sec. 2, 

Manitowish Rivor: 

Sec. 9, T. 42 N., R

Sec. 24, T. 42 N., R

Sec. 15, T. 42 N., R 

Elk River: 

S<JP. 11, T. 37 N.. R

Sec. 14, T. 37 N., R 

Trout River, see. 14, T 

Bear Creek, sec. 2. T. 4

1 W .............................................. . .

., R. 3 E.. ...................... . ....

T. 40 X., R. 4 E.. ......... .............. .... . ..

5 E. ..................................................

(IE..................................................

2 W........... .......................................

1 W. ................................................

41 X., R. (i K........................................ 

) \., R. 4 E. ..............................................................

Dam.

Height.

feet. 

16

15 

6

13 

17 

15

10 

10

4

Length.

Feet. 

350

400 

24

400 

300 

250

450

.

1

Lumber and Boom Co.; 2, Lugn r Lumber Co.; 4, Flambeau Lumber Co.; 8 and 9, Chippewa River 

Improvement Co.

UED CEDAR RIVEll.

Draiiiai/c. An area of 1,957 square miles in the extreme western part of Chippewa Valley 

is drained by Red Cedar River (sometimes called the Menomonie), which, unlike the other 

large tributaries of Chippewa River, does not reach the main stream until within a few miles 

from its mouth. Except at its headwaters, Red Cedar River drains a region underlain by the 

Cambrian sandstone. As a result, the greater part of the area has a sandy soil. A narrow 

belt of clayey loam, increasing in width southward, extends along the western limit of this 

area. The drainage area occupies the U-shaped region included between two terminal 

moraines, one near the eastern and one near the western border, which unite at the upper 

headwaters, giving rise to numerous lakes. Four of the largest of these have an area of about 

20 square miles.

Profit. A study of the profile of Red Cedar River shows that its total descent in the 90 

miles above its mouth is 470 feet, or 5.2 feet per mile. This gives opportunity for a large number of water powers. There arc about 25 old logging dams on the river, besides about an equal

IKK 156 06 8
114 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

number of sawmills and flouring mills. The following table has been compiled from actual 

surveys by competent engineers and from checked railroad levels:

Profile of Red Cedar Riverfront its mouth to Red Cedar

No.

1

3 

4 

5

6

8

9 

10 

11

13 

14 

15 

16

Station.

Downsvillc dam: 

Foot..........................................

Crest..........................................

Menomonie dam: 

Foot ..........................................

Cedar rapids dam:

Cedar Lake dam, sec. 22, T. 37 N., R. 10 W. .......

Distance.

From 

mouth.

Miles. 

0 

2.0

7.8 

7.8 

13.0

16.6 

16.6 

18.9

23.4 

23.4 

30.2 

35.0 

70.0 

74.0 

90.0 

96.0

Between 

points.

Miles.

2.0

5.8 

.0 

5.2

3.6 

.0 

2.3

4.5 

.0 

6.8 

4.8 

35.0 

4.0 

16.0 

0.0

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

Feet.

723.4

739.0 

758.2 

766.4

788.3 

803.9 

806. 7

823. 3 

842.0 

859.3 

895.0 

1,068.0 

1,116.0 

1,191.0

Descent between points.

Total- mile".

Feet.

18.4

15.6 

19.2

21.9 

15.6

2.8

16.6 

18.7 

17.3 

35.7 

173.0 

48.0 

75.0

Feet.

9.2

2.7

3.1

J 8.0

3.7 

| 5.3

7.4 

5.0 

12.0 

4.7

& Authority: No. 1, Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway; 2-11, O'Keef & Orbison, Appleton, 

Wis.; 12, Wisconsin Central Railway; 13, Minneapolis, St. Paul,"and Sault Ste. Marie Railway; 14 and 

15, Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway.

A study of this table shows that Red Cedar River has a high gradient, averaging 5A feet per 

mile in the last 74 miles, with frequent concentrations of descent. No gagings of the river 

have been made. Tributaries entering the river from the west flow through a clayey-loam 

soil, but the upper and eastern portions of the drainage area have a sandy-loam soil. It is 

therefor.' likely that this river has a fairly uniform flow. The decline of the lumbering interests greatly increases the value of the Red Cedar River as a power producer.

Water powers and dams. In the 30 miles below Hay River the Red Cedar descends 154.3 

feet, and as this region borders the prairie region, and is thickly settled, the six powers here 

included will probably be developed to the full extent in the near future. This development includes: (1) The construction of a dam at Dunnville, 2 miles above the mouth of the 

river, giving a head of 15.6 feet and an estimated 1,685 horsepower; (2) the raising of the 

present dam at Downsville 4 feet, giving a total head of 23.2 feet and an estimated 2,480 

horsepower; (3) the construction of a dam at Irving, with a total head of 21.9 feet, giving an 

estimated 2,260 horsepower; (4) the raising of the present dam at Menomonie 2.8 feet, thus 

obtaining a total head of 18.4 foet and an estimated 1,800 horsepower; (5) the building of a 

new dam near the "Omaha" bridge, 2.8 miles above Menomonie, with a head of 16.6 feet and 

an estimated 1,700 horsepower; (6) the raising of the present dam at Cedar rapids 21.3 feet, 

giving a total head of 40 feet and an estimated 3,800 horsepower.a Recently all the powers 

owned by Knapp, Stout & Co., including many of the most valuable on the river, have been

a This statement is based on a careful survey for the owners made by O'Keef & Orbison, hydraulic 

engineers, of Appleton, Wis., ana an estimated run-off of 0.461 second-foot per square mile.
CHIPPEWA KIVER SYSTEM. 115

acquired by the Wisconsin Power Company, of Chicago, 111. The location of 10 dams own: d 

by this company is shown in the following tabl":

Dams on Bed Cedar River owned by the Wisconsin Power Co

Location. Head. Amount of 

ilowage. Authority.

Feet. Cubic fee/.

Sec. 25. T. 37 N., R. 10 AV.................................. 14.0 1,074,000,000 U. S. engineers.

Sec. 2, T. 3t> N., R. 10 W................................... 7.0 405,000,000 Do.

Sec. 25, T. 30 N., R. 10 W..................................' 12.0 I

Sec. 30. T. 30 N., R. 9 AV ................................... 10.0 | 135,000,000' Do.

Sec. 29, T. 3tiN., R. 9 W................................... 10.0 )

Sec. 13, T. 34 N., R. 1U W.................................. 12.0 40,500,000 Do.

Sec. 30, T. 33 N., II. 10 W.................................. 10.0 S 10,000,000 Do.

Menomonie. 

Cedar Falls.

Do 

Do.

Railroad*. Between the mouth of Red Cedar River aud Menomonie the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway clos.-ly parallels the river. In this stretch of 17 miles are situated 

the most important powers. Above Menomonie the drainage is crossed by the Chicago, 

Milwaukee and St. Paul, the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha, the Wisconsin 

Central, and the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie railways.

EAU CLAIRE KIVER.

Ranked in order of its drainage area (900 square miles), Eau Claire River is third among 

the tributaries of the Chippewa. The greater part of this area is underlain by the Cambrian sandstone, and all except the upper headwaters drain a sandy-loam soil, as will be 

seen from PI. II. Like most of the neighboring rivers, the Eau Claire has been an important lumbering stream, with many flooding dams. Very few water powers have been 

utilized. The first developed water power is about 500 feet from the mouth of the river, 

where a dam 300 feet long develops a head of 11 feet to run a linen mill, which uses only 

part of the power thus furnished. About 3,000 feet farther upstream is a second dam, 

with an average head of 13A feet, owned by the Northwestern Lumber Company. An 

installation of turbines of 420 horsepower is reported. This is used in running a sawmill, 

a machine shop, and dynamos. The same company reports the three following lumbering 

dams on this river, but none of the resulting water power is utilized at the present time. 

In the NW. \ NE. \ sec. 14, T. 27 N., R. 9 W., is a dam with a 7-foot head, capable at ordinary low water of furnishing 210 theoretical horsepower. In the SW. 4- NE. \ sec. 13, 

T. 27 N., R. 8 W., is a timber dam with a head of 8 feet, which could easily and cheaply 

be increased to 20 feet, thus producing at ordinary low water 540 theoretical horsepower. 

The third dam, with a present head of 20 feet, is reported in the SW. \ SW. \ sec. 5, T. 26 

N., R. 6 W. This dam lias not been used for many years and is much in need of repairs. 

There are many other opportunities for developing water powers on the Eau Claire River, 

as well as on its tributaries.

JUMP RIVER.

As its name would imply, Jump River is a very rapid stream, with numerous falls and 

rapids, making a descent of nearly 500 feet in its entire length of 65 miles. Its drainage 

area of 720 square miles is a long and narrow one, and with only a few unimportant exceptions is devoid of lakes and swamps. As a result the river has a very uneven flow as compared with the Flambeau, which stream it resembles in flowing through a valley whose 

soil is a clayey loam. The main portion of the Jump River valley has no railroads and is
116 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

sparsely settled. A branch of the Wisconsin Central is now being built across this drainage. The most important falls on the river, 35 feet in height, are in sec. 20, T. 34 N., 

R. 2 W., about 1 mile east of the junction of North and South forks, but there are numerous other dam sites of 15 to 20 foot, head, which will doubtless be utilized when this 

section is settled.

YELLOW RIVER.

The drainage area of Yellow River is 460 square miles, distributed in a long, narrow 

valley. The lower half of the valley has a sandy soil, the upper part a clayey loam. 

While the gradient of Yellow River is not so great as that of its neighbor, Jump River, 

it, has a rapid current. As in the case of other rivers in this region the only dams built 

were for logging purposes. The Miller dam is said to be the only one remaining. Three 

other dams, one at Colburn, one in sec. 7, T. 29 N., R. 5 W., and on« at Cadott, have all 

been carried away by floods. The river is crossed by three railroads.

SMALLER TRIBUTARIES.

Chippewa River has a host of smaller tributaries, nearly all of which, because of their 

rapid currents and high, rocky banks, can be cheaply developed. Duncan Creek is a good 

example of what can be done with this class of tributaries. Although only 25 miles long, 

it has five dams with an aggregate head of 68 feet. Four gristmills, with a total turbine 

capacity of over 500 horsepower, take their power from this creek. Below the "Star 

mills," in the city of Chippewa Falls, is an unimproved power of 14-foot head; and immediately below this site is a dam with a 9-foot head, belonging to the Gatziaii Shoe Manufacturing Company. The significant point regarding powers of this class is that they are 

cheaply improved and very widely distributed. The locations of some of them are shown 

in the following table:

Dams on smaller tributaries ofChippeira River.

Location.

Bridge Creek:

Sec. 18, T. 26, R. 6 W..... .......... .................

Duncan Creek: 

Chippewa Falls.. ......... ............ .............. 

Do. --.---...--.--.-.-.-.......--.....,.-.-.....-.

S"C. 31, T. 29 N.. R. S W .............................

Sec. 8, T. 30 N., R. 9 W ..............................

Jump Rivpr: 

Sec. 20, T. 34 N., R. 2 AV........ ....... ........ ...

Westboro. ......................................... .

Lowes Creek, sec. 4, T. 20 N., R. 9 AV. ................... ..... . .. ........

Owner and use.

Wm. Denoger, flouring mill. 

Durand roller mill, flour.. . .

Dells Milling Co., flour.. . . . .

\ P. Waddell..............

(rotziaii Shoe Co. ...........

Leinenkugel Brewing Co. . . . 

Leinenkugel Co., flour. .....

0. W. Lockin, Tilden flouring mills.

Bloomer mills, flour. .......

and saw mill. 

P. F. Milling Co., grist. ....

AV. .T. Davis

Head.

Feet. 

12 

9 

IS

20 

20

9 

14 

16 

20 

10

12

14

9

35

csri

Instal- < 

lation. "

H.P.

40 

73

60

(")

( h ) 

(") 

350 

100 

70

30 

60

(")

o Undeveloped. & Unused. c Could be raised 8 feet.
ST. CKOIX RIVER SYSTEM.

Dams on smaller tributaries ofChipptwa River Continued.

Location.

O'Neals Creek, west brunch: 

See. 2(1, T. 31 N.,K.<l W..

Near mouth........................................

Kagle Point........................................

Otter Creek, Fan Claire................................

Pine Creek:

Owner and use.

Wm. Purch, grist and saw 

mill.

F. 0. & C. A. Stanley, sawmill.

M. Rosmus, eleetrie light... 1 R. Clark, flour..............

Lucas................................................' T. Teegarden. grist and saw

mill. 

Sand Creek............ ............. ............... A. P. Johnson, grist and

saw mill.

Dalles................. .......... .................. .1. A. Anderson, grisl and

saw mill.

Plover River:

Shantytown......... ....................... .......1 S. Y. Hentley, sawmill......

Jordan............................................... A. Van Orclen..............

Bevejit............................................... '.....do......................

Roek Creek, sec. 22. T. 27 N., R. 11 W. 

Tiffany Creek, Hovceville..............

P>. \V. Andrews, flour. 

A. A. lloyr & Bro., grist.

lation.

Feet. ' H. P.

x 30

50

150

95

80

90

50

40

100

(«)

a Undeveloped.

ST. CROIX RIVER SYSTEM. 

TOPOUHAniV A1S1) DRAINAGE.

St. Croix River rises at an elevation of 1,010« feet, in St. Croix Lake, on the Lake Superior divide, only 20 miles from Lake Superior. The lower two-thirds of its length forms a 

part of the Minnesota boundary. In its total length of 168 miles it, descends 344 feet, all 

but 20 feet of which is in the upper 116 miles, making the average for this upper portion 

nearly 3 feet per mile. This slope is fully six times the slope of Mississippi River above 

Minneapolis, and, according to United States engineers, has an important bearing on the 

relatively large run-off as compared with Mississippi Valley above. Another important 

feature of this region is its relatively small number of lakes, these forming only 3 per cent of 

the total drainage area as compared with 11 per cent in Mississippi Valley above Minneapolis.a Evaporation on lake surfaces is probably nearly equal to the precipitation for 

the corresponding period. The total drainage area comprises 7,576 square miles, the 

greater part of which is in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin portion has a width of 50 miles on 

its northern margin and extends southwesterly toward Mississippi River, a distance of about 

150 miles.

The topography may )>o described under three heads (1) the level area, (2; the rolling and swelling 

hill districts, and (3) the knoll and basin combination. The first includes the so-called "barrens" 

which border the streams and some elevated plateaus, together with smaller scattered areas. The 

third class may be described as a belt lying near the southeastern watershed and stretching from tlie 

vicinity of Lake Namekitgon soiithwestward to the St. Croix. The second class includes most of the 

territory which remains.*'

Marshes are quite as infrequent as the lakes and occur only on the river bottoms. Not 

half of the lakes are visibly connected with the rivers, bu£ because of the open soil they are 

likely to have underground connection. There are usually lumbering dams on such lakes 

as have outlets, and these lakes, together with the numerous smaller depressions, play an 

important part in the preventing of freshets. The lakes of this region arrange themselves 

into two groups one, lying mostly in the "barrens," adjacent and parallel to the upper St.

"Repts. Chief Eng. U. S. Army, 1881, 1883. 

6 Ueol. Wisconsin, vol 3, 1880, p. 370.
118 WATEE POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Croix and extending southwest from its source to the point where the stream turns southward, and a second group in the extreme southeastern portion of this region, occurring in 

the depressions of the "Kettle moraine." As the water of this region flows almost exclusively over the crystalline rocks and sandstones, or the drift derived from them, it is in 

general soft, though usually amber colored. Springs are very common, many of the lakes 

being fed almost entirely by them. They are especially frequent in the Cambrian sandstone and tend to equalize the flow of all the streams.

The apportionment of drainage areas is shown in the following table:

Distances and drainage areas of St. Croix River.

River.a

Distance

from 

source

(map 

measure).

Drainage

area

above

station.

Miles. Sq. miles. 

St. Oroix, source. 

Eau Claire:

Above mouth.................................................................. 6.5 117

Mouth......................................................................... 0.5 224

Namekagon........................................................................ 38.0 1,451

Yellow ............................................................................ 50.0 I 2,084

Clam: i (

Above mouth.................................................................. C4.0 2,428

Mouth......................................................................... 64.0 j 2,844

Kettle:

Above mouth.................................................................. 75.0 3,046

Mouth......................................................................... 75.0 4,139

Snake.............................................................................. 79.0 5,097

Wood.............................................................................. 84.0 5,281

Sunrise............................................................................ 100.0 5,857

St. Croix, St. Croix rapids......................................................... 120.0 6,202

Apple.............................................................................. 138.0 6,951

Willow............................................................................ 151.0 7,301

St. Croix, mouth.................................................................. 168.0 | 7,576

a Station is at mouth of river, unless otherwise stated. 

PROFILE.

The following table gives, upon the authority of United States engineers, elevations 

above the sea and gradients per mile of St. Croix River at twenty points between its mouth 

and its source:
ST. CROIX RIVER SYSTEM.

Profile of St. C'rotx River from its mouth to St. Croix Lake.

119

Distance. ' Eleva_ ^f 

Station. - , tlon - 

From Between ^^ Tota] mouth. points. 1MeJ " lotajl

Miles. Miles. Feet. feet.

Sec. 35, T. 38 N., R. 20 W ................................ 79 0

Kettle River rapids, head (proposed U.S. dam, see. 2 

T. 39 N., R. 19 W).. .............................. .. 93 0

Sec. 35, T. 44 N., R. 13 W.:

St. Croix Lake. ........................................ 100. 0

5. 0 OCkS. 0 1.0 

23. 0 (572. 0 4. 0 

14. 0 083. 0 11. 0 

0. 0 (587. 0 4. 0 

12.0 753.0 0.0 

3. 0 758. 5 5. 5 

10.0 773.0 14.5 

4. 0 ± 782. 0 9. 0 

7. 0 ± 790. 0 8. 0 

3.0 ±801.0 11.0 

1.0 ±810.0 ' 15.0

3.0 ±850.0 34.0 

8.0 ±808.0 18.0 

2.5 874.0 0.0 

11.5 888.0 14.0 

12. 0 908. 0 20. 0 

12.0 1,001.0 93.0

5.0 1,001.5 .5 

.0 1,005.3 3.8

10.0 1.010.0 4.7

nt hepoints.

Per

mile.

Feet.

0.2

.8

5.5 

1.1 

1.4

2.2 

1.1 

3.7 

15.0

11.3 

2. 4 

1.7

.1

.3

a Low-water elevation. 

GEOT.OGY.

Almost the entire watershed has been glaciated to such an extent that outcrops, except 

near the rivers, are very infrequent. According to the reports of the Wisconsin Geological 

Survey, the central and by far the greater portion of this area is underlain by the pre-Cambrian crystalline rocks known as the "Koweenawan." This belt narrows toward the south, 

giving way both on the east and west to the Cambrian sandstones. These pre-Cambi-ian 

crystalline rocks intersect St. Croix River at St. Croix Falls, and because of their greater 

hardness have caused the falls and rapids the most important on the entire river wilich 

extend for 6 or 7 miles above the city of Taylors Falls, Minn.

RAIXFALL AKT) I{TJ>r -OFF.

The United States Geological Survey has maintained a gaging station 3J miles above St. 

Croix Falls, Wis., since 1903. Tbe gage heights are referred to four iron pins on the right 

bank just below the gaging station, the elevations of which are referred to the datum of the 

bench marks of the St. Croix River survey. Their elevations are as follows.

Feet. 

Pin No. 1 ................................................................ 732. 08

Pin No. 2................................................................ 734. 54

Pin No. 3................................................................ 736.10

Pin No. 4................................................................ 737.57

A large number of measurements were obtained during 1903, and the gage was read daily 

by V. H. Caneday. Discharge measurements were made from a boat held in place by a wire 

cable stretched across the river between two trees. The initial point for soundings is a ver-
120 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

tical rod on the left bank. The channel is straight for about 800 feet above and 1,000 feet 

below the station, while the banks are high and can not overflow. The section is regular, 

smooth, and permanent, and the velocity is never sluggish, making this on the whole a station at which good results are obtainable. The drainage area at this point is 6,370 square 

miles.

Discharge measuremenis of St. Croix River near St. Croix Fall*, Wift., in 190,3.

Date.

1903. 

Mav °9

October 9....................

Hydrognipher.

W. R.TIoag......................................

L R . Stockman. ..................................

Gage 

height.

J'Vc/. 

4. 00

2.70

3.84

Discharge.

Second-ftct. 

10,747

7,470

10,244

Discharge data relating to St. Croix River near St. Croix Falls, Wis., obtained through the 

United States Geological Survey, have been supplemented by data supplied by Loweth & 

Wolf, civil engineers, of St. Paul, Minn. The results are embodied in the following table:

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of St. Croix River near 'St. Croix Fal/x, Win., January 10,1902,

to December 31, 19(>4.
ST. CEO1X RIVER SYSTEM. 121

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of St. Croix Rirer near St. Oroic FaTln, Wis., January 10,1902, 

to December Jl. I'.XtJf Continued.

Day. Jan,

1903. 

1.... 2,055 

2.... 1,940 

3.... 1,940 

4.... 1,910 

5.... 1,880

C.... 1,930 

7 .... 1 , 945 

8.... 2,010 

fl... 1,93(1

11.... 1,875

12.... 1,900

13.... 1,930 

14 1 i)50

15....

16....

17.... 

18.... 

19.... 

20....

21....

23.... 

24.... 

25.... 

26.... 

27....

28.... 

29.... 

30.... _,_ _

Feb. Mar.

1,950 1,940 

1,935 1,920 

1,760 1,920 

1,830 1,960 

1 . 900 1 . 965

2.015 

1,930 

1 , 915 

1,895

1 , 950

1 , 880

1,975 

1 03(1

1 980 1 870

1,885 

1 , 990 

2,0.50 

2,110

Apr.

t.,770 

9, 800 

10,750 

12, 220

10, 350 

8, 85(1 

11, (145 

17,975 

Ki,4;i8 

18,272

20, Kill

l.'i f-lX'1

1,870 1-840 14.0X0

1,770 

1,815 

1,870

1,980 

1,730 

1,820 

1,800 

1,865 

1 , 930 

1 , 990

2,050 

1,980 

1 . 8.35

31 .... 1 . 970

1904. 

1....

2. 

3

2, 390 

2,390

4

5. ...

C....

8.... 

9.... 

10.... 

11.... 

12.... 

13.... 

14.... 

15.... 

16.... 

17.... 

18.... 

19.... 

20....

3, 660 

3,140 

2,810 

(2,820i 

2,840 

2, 600 

2, 340 

2, 660 

2, 680 

2,630 

(2,410) 

2,200 

2,480 

2, 460

1 , 870 

1 , 970 

] , 850

1,745 

1,8."0 

1,910 

] , 950 

1 , 945 

1 , 820 

1,880 

1,970

4,030 

4,530 

6, 480

1 1 , 440 

11,460 

11,480 

10,740 

9, 660 

10, 100 

9, 530 

8,725 

8.590 

8,445 

8.160

2,110 

2,090 

2,060 

2, 040 

2,080

2,070 

(2,040i 

2,020 

2, 1(,0 

2,110 

2,000 

2,160 

2,000 

(2,140) 

(2,280) 

2,430 

2, 430 

2, 460 

2,410 

2,45(1

2, 5S() 

2, 570 

2.520 

2, 390 

2,290

2, 390 

2, 490 

2, 600 

2, 590 

2, 560 

2,590 

2,640 

2, 650 

2, 660 

2.700 

2,740 

2, (190 

2,700 

2, 750

(0)

12,800

12,540

(1.800 

9. 740 

9. 205 

8, 790 

10,4(10 

10.080 

8,925

5,5(>0 

(1, 130 

(7,000) 

8,080 

9,873

12,300 

15.930 

1(1, 900 

18,300 

1 1(1, (100) 

15.000 

14,010 

10,590 

7,910 

12,500 

10,010 

(9,460i 

(8,920i 

8, 38!) 

7,850

May.

8, 920 

9, 555

June.

7,680 

10, 420 

(9 490)

July.

251 

3. 030

Aug.

4, 570 

4, 800 

5 050

1 8.5(10 (1.170

15.200 

15,011 

15, 176 

13.835 

12,150

9, 245

10,157

7, 910 

7,340 

(6,805) 

6, 270 

6,010 

5, 760 

5, 160

6, 190 

7, 320

(6,91()i 

6, 500 

5,825 .,.._..

Srpt. Oct. Nov.

. ..... 6.710 ........ ..............

8,640

8,880 

10,155 

10,870 

11,630

(10,437 

9, 245

7, 250 

7,200 

(i 915

5,130 6,790 

5 755 il 035

4, 300

io,;>80

11,230 

11, (1(15 

12, 100 

9, 580 

12,020 

12,640 

11,420 

10,640 

(9,160)

8.400 

7.590 

7, 540 

7,480 

7,380 

8,290 

8, 790 

(10,320) 

(11,850) 

13, 370 

11,300 

9,490 

8,550 

8,980 

8, C50 

8,310 

7,280 

7,820 

6,860 

5.250

1 , 542 

2, 700 

2,710 

2, 640 

2,545 

(2,475) 

(2,420) 

2, 360 , .

(5,592) 

5, 150 

4.540

4,375

3,990 

1,830 

5, 590 

(4,6701 

3, 750 

4, 770 

4.730

907 4, 485 

........ 4,570

6.340 

5, 520 

6,050 

7,950 

(12,560) 

17, 180 

17,920 

17, 460 

15,650 

12,940 

12,610 

(12.070) 

11,5.'!0 

11,320 

7,880 

8,540 

7,628 

8,140 

8,710 

9,28(1

6, 170 

5, 850 

(3,630) 

1,410 

(3,010) 

4,610 

4, 780 

4,610 

4,970 

2,9<>0 

950 

3,48(1 

3,8(10 

3, 750 

3,890 

3,990 

(2,530 

1,080 

1,140 

3, 7(10

1,000 

7,900

(7,600) 

(7,280) 

7,170 

4,830

5, 510

.1, 340

5, 350

(4,792) 

4,235

4,150 

3 4d()

3 580

4 740

3.220 ................

i

1

840 

1,080 

1,480 

3, 460 

2,250 

1,990 

2,040 

2, 100 

2,210 

2,100 

2.000 

2,300 

2,340 

(1.750) 

1,150 

950 

1 , 430 

3, 370 

1,920 

2,240

........ 3.9SO

4.530 ' (3,840) 

4, 610 3, 720 

(4,750) 3,360 

4,900 11,310 

4,870 1,240 

5,040 (2,800) 

4,690 4,090 

4,600 (3,400) 

(4,030) 2,120 

(3,460)' 10,430 

2,820 15,020 

(2,380) 14,270 

1,940 13,800 

2,150 12,560 

3,480 ........ 

3,190 10,060 

(3, 1(.0) 10,760 

3,140 10,310 

2.890 12,710

8,780 

8,040 

7,590 

6, 780 

3, 280 

(4,230) 

o, 230 

5, 440 

5,700 

4,900 

5, 33(1 

5, 600 

(5, 540 

5,470 

5, 250 

4,970 

4,770 

4,570 

4,480 

(4,340)

Dec.

*>

1,690 

1,700 

2,210 

(2,400) 

2, 620 

2,740 

2,890 

2,970 

2,770 

2,820 

(2,820) 

2,830 

2, 500 

2,420 

2,220 

2,380 

2,330 

2,320 

2,300 

2, 380

o March 20 to 25. ICP going nut.
122 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of St. Croix River near St. Croix Falls, ~\Vis., Ja/mary 10,1902, 

to December 31, 1904 Continued.

Day.

1904.

23....

t)f>

07

28 .... 

29

30.... 

31 ....

Jan.

2,440

2,630

2, 620

2, 330 

2,390

2,280 

2,270

2, 250

Feb.

(2,370)

2,290

2,330

2,410 

2 460

2,480

Mar. Apr.

........ 7, 490

........ 7,530

........ 11,260

........ (10,810)

........ 10,360

3,090 11,170 

(3,370) 11,230

3,<>60 10,709 

3,300 10,8,50

3, 770 9, 490 

4,510 ........

May.

6,390

(6,900)

(7,500)

8,000

7,790

8,760 

8,030

7, 390 

(6,700)

6, 060 

6, 440

June.

6,730

5,630

5,820

4, 900

5,190

(3,380) 

1,570

4,850 

5,330

5,320

July.

3,420

3,170

3,270

1,210

1,050 

2,580

2,780 

2,720

2,810

Aug.

(3,760)

5,290

4, 390

2,970

2,510 

2,480

(2,230) 

1,960

2,260 

(3,000)

Sept.

2,380

2,490

3,790 

3,330

3,500

(3,880)

Oct.

18, 700

(18,010)

15,540

12,910

(10,410) 

10,230

Nov.

4,000

3,710

2,890

(2,250)

Doc.

0 }(J0

2,440

2,340

2,390

2,450 

2,460

(2, 440) 

(2, 420)

(2,400) 

2,380

Estimated monthly discharge of St. Croix River at St. Croix Falh, TFi'.s., for 1902, 1903, and

[Drainage area, 6,370 square miles.]

Date.

1902.

July............................'.........

November . . ......................

1903.

July.....................................

Discharge.

Maximum.

Sec.-feet. 

1,980 

2,480 

5,000 

5, 560 

9,000 

11,870 

12, 106 

6,000. 

4,100 

3, COO 

5,200

2,550

12,106

2,040 

2,020 

11,480 

20, 185 

16, 157 

7,900

11,620 

7,900 

14,918 

29,611

7,000 

3, 440

29,611

Minimum.

Sec.-feet. 

1,680 

1,700 

2,380 

200 

4,100 

9CO 

760 

1,020 

400 

800 

2,550

2,020

Mean.

Sec.-feet. 

1,850 

1,880 

3,300 

2 220 

2,020 

5, 950 

5,500 

1,860 

1,860 

2,000 

4,080 

2,100

'?00 2 91^

1,740 

1,700 

1,960 

5,800 

8,920 

906 

251 

1,600 

6,960 

5,740 

850 

2,340

6 251

1,920 

1,880 

5,500 

12,000 

12,700 

5,050 

6, 360 

4,850 

11,750 

12, 780 

4,270 

2,740

6,816

Run-off.

Per 

square 

mile.

Sec.-feet. 

0.31 

.31 

.CO 

.37 

.33 

.99 

.92 

.31 

.31 

.33 

.68 

. 35

Depth.

Inches. 

0.36 

.36 

.69 

.41 

.38 

1.14 

1.06 

.36 

.36 

.38 

.77 

.40

. 48 6. 67

.32 

.31 

.92 

2.00 

2. 12 

.84 

1.06 

.81 

1.96 

2.13 

.71 

.46

.36 

1.05 

2.30 

2.43 

.96 

1.21 

.92 

2.26 

2.44 

.81

1.14 ' 15.63

Rainfall.^

Inches. 

0.90 

.54 

.69 

2.08 

3.09 

3.59 

6.30 

2.82 

3.26 

1.58 

2.76 

2.16

29.77

.59 

.88 

1.97 

2.78 

5.78 

1.69 

6.75 

4.77 

7.27 

4.11 

.66 

.97

38.22

"This is the average of the recorded precipitation at Barren, Dnluth, Orantslmrg, Hay ward, Osceola, 

and St. Paul.

6 Low water due to the manipulation of a lumbering dam a few miles above.
ST. CROIX RIVER SYSTEM. 123

Estimated monthly discharge of St. Croix River at St. Croix Falls, Wis.,for 1902, 1903, and

1904 Continued.

Date.

1904.

July.....................................

Discharge.

Maximum.

Sec.-feet. 

2,840 

2,480 

4,510 

18,300 

13,370 

17,920 

5.850 

3,460 

5.040

18, 700 

8,780 

2,970

18,700

Minimum.

Sec. -feet. 

2,200 

2,000 

2,290 

5,560 

5,250 

4,850 

950 

840 

1,940 

1,240 

2.800 

1,690

840

Mean.

Sec.-feet. 

2,600 

2,238 

2,832 

10,748 

8,176 

8,868 

3,145 

2,334 

3,544 

10,560 

4,843 

2,441

5,194

Run-off.

Per 

square 

mile.

Sec.-feet. 

.43 

.37

1.79 

1.36 

1.48 

.52 

.39 

.59 

1.76 

.80 

.40

10.36

Depth.

Inches. 

.48

.53 

2.01 

1.53 

1.66 

.58 

.44 

.66 

1.98 

.90 

.45

11.65

Rainfall.

Inches. 

.64 

1.18 

1.19 

1.65 

3.78 

5.58 

4.64 

3.84 

5. 75 

5.47 

.05 

.99

34.77

WATER POWERS.

In the lower 48 miles of its course the St. Croix River has its bed in the Cambrian sandstone or "Lower Magnesian" limestone, principally the former, which it has succeeded in 

wearing down nearly to base level, giving steamboat navigation from Taylors Falls, Minn., 

to Mississippi River. Its descent in this_distance of 48 miles is only 20 feet at low stages, 

nearly all of which is found in the upper half between Stillwater and Taylors Falls. At Stillwater, 223 miles above the mouth of the river, the sandstone bluffs rise steeply on either side 

to a height of 1.50 to 200 feet, and the river rapidly narrows. The bluffs continue, generally 

with a flat on one side, between Taylors Falls and Stillwater. In the 24 miles below Stillwater the river averages about half a mile in width, with a maximum of 7,000 feet at the 

expansion of the river known as St. Croix Lake, below Stillwater. For several miles here, 

according to reports of United States engineers, the river is almost without gradient.

The portion of the St. Croix above Taylors Falls abounds in undeveloped powers. Except 

near the headwaters of St. Croix, Totogatic, and Namekagon rivers and a small area served 

by a branch line of the Northern Pacific, running to Grantsburg, this region is without railroad facilities. The following detailed description of the main river above St. Croix rapids, 

taken from the Tenth Census, 1880, gives the most trustworthy information of the region 

obtainable:

From -he in ni'.li of the Eau Claire to that of the Namekagon River there is a descent of 100 feet, or 4 

r' per mile, and many rapids occur, among which Copper Mine rapids may be mentioned. Above the 

ir.;i h of the Namekagon the ordinary low-water power under a head of 10 feet would lie 150 horsepower. 

'.if Namekagon River increases this to 600 horsepower.

In the 12 miles from the mouth of the Namekagon to the Yellow River the total fall is 20feet, including

..' Island rapids, State Line rapids, and Bishops rapids. Each of the first two is described as aflordi-C line opportunities for developing water powers. At Big Island rapids the river runs close to the 

luff a on the left bank, but a dam would need to extend some distance across the flat on the right.

From the mouth of the. Yellow River to the head of Kettle rapids, a distance of 21 miles, the average 

!o[.o is i.sfeet per mile, there being no rapids of special importance. It is very probable that available 

T .. : - ower sites can be found in this section.
124 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

ST. CROIX RAPIDS.

The St. Croix rapids ofler fine opportunities for water power, and were used at one time, but now the 

river flows unemployed. There is a total descent of 55 feet in the 6 miles which may be included under 

the name of St. Croix rapids. Several local names are indefinitely applied at different points. At the 

foot are Taylors Falls, about three-quarters of a mile above are St. Croix Falls, then Turtle Falls, etc. 

Strictly speaking, there are no falls in the entire distance, only a more rapid decline in the bed at certain ' 

places.

The village of Taylors Falls is situated in Minnesota, at the foot of the rapids, about 50 miles above 

the mouth of the river, at the head of navigation. St. Croix Falls, a village of Wisconsin, is situated 

upon the slope overlooking the river from that side, nearly opposite Taylors Falls. Directly below the 

rapids the river enters the Dalles of the St. Croix, where for half a mile or more it passes between verticalcliffs of trap rock with sharp edges and bold angles. Just above the entrance into the Dalles the water 

way is so contracted that when the river is high the water forms a fall of nearly 5 feet before it can overcome the resistance, but there is no very rapid descent there in low water. It is to this portion of the 

river that the name of Taylors Falls is given.

Above the Dalles the rock continues in the bed, and to a certain extent in the banks of the river, but 

the valley spreads considerably. On the Minnesota side the bank rises steep from the river for 30 or 40 

feet at the lower part of the rapids. Back from this for several hundred feet is a nearly level plain, 

swampy in places; and bounding this are the bluffs, rising fully 100 feet higher. At the foot of the 

rapids the plain narrows and is lost in the Dalles. On the Wisconsin side, in the vicinity of St. Croix 

Falls, the slope is rather more uniform up to the general level of the country. At the entrance into 

the, Dalles the river is scarcely more than 100 feet wide. At St. Croix Falls, three-quarters of a mile 

above Taylors Falls, it is between 200 and 300 feet wide, the average width of the river in this part 

of its course.

The portion of the rapids known as St. Croix Falls presents the most favorable site for improvement 

of the power, and here a dam was once built and sawmills were run. The bed is solid rock, and the 

banks rise abruptly from the river on both sides. On the Minnesota side a large, high mass of trap rock 

stands out in the channel and forms a natural abutment for a dam; on the Wisconsin side the rock 

bank rises to a considerable height above the water in a rib, and back of it is a depression which leads 

to the slope upon which the village of St. Croix Falls is situated. The improvement, long since gone to 

ruin, consisted of a dam built across the river at the point described, and a race blasted through the 

rock in the line of the depression on the Wisconsin side and then carried down the slope along the river 

front, giving a head of 25 or 30 feet. The dam was a very extensive structure, raising the water to a 

height of 25 feet when in good condition. It was 300 feet long, 24 feet wide at the top, and only 60 feet 

Wide at the base. . . . The same natural facilities exist for developing the water power as formerly. 

. . . If the dam were built so as to give a head of about 40 feet, which is practicable, a race could be 

carried down the plain on the Minnesota side for a long distance as readily as on the Wisconsin shore. 

The pond would probably back the water 4 or 5 miles, and would not overflow much land. With the 

ordinary low flow the power under a head of 30 feet is 7,811 theoretical horsepower, ai:d under a head of 

40 feet, 10,415 theoretical horsepower. With the yearly average flow it is 17,266 theoretical horsepower 

under a head of 30 feet, and 23,021 theoretical horsepower under 40 feet. There is about 5 feet of fall in 

the river from the site of the dam to Taylors Falls. Here is an excellent site for the construction of a 

dam, which would scarcely be more than 100 feet long, but the vertical cliffs come close to the river just 

below, leaving only room fora small steamboat landing, without space to erect extensive manufactories.

KETTLE RIVER RAPIDS.

The Kettle River rapids are, next to the St. Croix rapids, the most prominent on the river. They 

start 2J miles above the mouth of the Kettle River, which enters from the west, and end 1J miles below 

it. In this length of 4 miles the total fall is 49 feet, of which 34 feet is above the mouth of the Kettle 

River. Two islands from 1 mile to 2 miles long divide the river into two channels. The bed of the^ 

river is solid rock and it is practical to build several dams. Above the mouth of the Kettle River a 

head of 10 feet would afford 1,280 theoretical horsepower, with the ordinary low-water flow, and below 

the entrance of the Kettle River 1,737 theoretical horsepower, under the same conditions of flow, according to the estimates previously givcji.

Above the mouth of the Snake R*ivt*, which enters 4J miles below the Kettle River, there is 11 feet 

of fall from the foot of the rapids. Between Snake River and St. Croix rapids are the following rapids: 

The Otter Slide, just below the mouth of the Snake, the ordinary low-water power of which, under a 

head of 10 feet, is 2,140 theoretical horsepower; the Horse Race, 1 mile below; the Baltimore rapids, a 

mile below the mouth of the Wood River, the ordinary low-water power of which, under a head of 10 

feet, is 2,220 theoretical horsepower; the Upper Big Rock rapids, about 1 mile below them; and the 

Yellow Pine rapids, about 3 miles above the mouth of the Sunrise River. The amount of fall at each 

of these rapids can not be determined from the data at hand. The total fall from the mouth of Snake 

River to St. Croix rapids is 111 feet and the average slope is 2.64 feet per mile. This must furnish opportunities to develop power with what will be a reasonable expense at some time in the future.
ST. CEOIX RIVER SYSTEM. 125

TRIBUTARIES OF ST. C'ROIX RIVER.

LENGTH AND DRAINAGE.

The length and drainage area of the principal tributaries of St. Croix River, including 

those entering from the western (Minnesota) side, are shown in the following table:

Principal tributaries of St. G'roi<c River.

River.

Wood ..............................................................................

Willow... . ........................... .....................

Length 

(map 

measure).

Miles. 

25

85

50

50

70

78

30

55

35

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

107

416

1,093

937

168

427

246

YELLOW HI VEIL

Yellow River rises in a large lake called Mud Lake, at an elevation of 1,085 feet,a and 

after a sinuous course of 50 miles joins the St. Croix at a point only half this distance 

from the source and at an elevation of 888 feet. This gives a descent of 197 feet, an average of nearly 4 feet per mile. This high gradient results in rapids at frequent intervals 

throughout its entire course. The slope in the upper third of its length is about 120 feet. 

Here springs and creeks arc numerous. The river is known to have a remarkably constant stage, the natural rise and fall during the year varying only from 1J to 3| feet. 

This fact may be attributed to the springs and to the regulating effect of the large lakes, 

especially Yellow Lake, through which it flows. "Its valley is generally narrow, being 

from 200 to 800 feet in width, although in some places it widens into tamarack marshes 

of considerable, extent. The first banks have a general elevation of 15 feet above lowwater, running back into high, broken ridges, covered with white Norway and jack pine. 

Little stone and few bowlders are found until reaching the rapids below Yellow Lake, 

which are almost continuous to the mouth of the stream. "a,

Near the mouth of the river the banks are high. A dam could be built in sec. 27, T. 

41 N., R. 16, which would develop a head of 25 feet or more and still not back the water 

up to the Yellow Lake dam. This power could be combined in the same plant with that 

furnished by Loon Creek, which enters Yellow River near the proposed dam. Loon 

Creek is said to descend 50 to 75 feet in a distance of 1J miles, and is therefore of considerable 

importance. A dam could also be located in Yellow River about a mile above Yellow 

Lake, which would develop a head of 20 feet by overflowing some good meadow lands 

between Yellow and Devils lakes.

a Kept. Chief Eng. U. S. Army, 1880.
126 WATEB POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

 The following profile of Yellow River suggests the possibility of developing other powers 

on this river because of its high gradient in ranges 14 and 13:

Prnf.lt, of YeUow Riverfront its mouth to Mud Lake dani.a

No.

1

3 

4 

5

6

7 

8 

9

10 

11

Station.

S\Y. 1- sec. 2, T. 39 N., R. 16 W ....................

Rice Lake dam (S\V. \ sec. Hi, T. 39, N., R. 14 W) . 

SE. 1 sec. 25, T. 39 N., R. 14 W ...................

Sec. 31 (near north \ stake), T. 39 N., R. 13 W.... 

SW. I sec. 32, T. 39 N., R. 13 W. ..................

Harts (SE. 1 sec. 5, T. 38 N.. R. 13) ...........

Sec. 30 (near north-south * line), T. 39 N., R. 

13W. ............................... .... .......

Distance.

Front 

mouth.

Miles.

7.0 

15.0 

34.0 

39.5 

40.5 

41.5 

42.5

47.0 

49.0 

52.0

Between 

points.

Eleva- 

.tion 

above 

sea level.

Miles. Feet. 

.. .... .. 888. 0

7.0 

8.0 

19.0 

5.5 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0

5.0 

1.5 

3.0

928.0 

938. 4 

969.4 

994.4 

1 ,004. 8 

1,011.15 

1 ,019. 0

1,04(1.8 

1 ,058. 0 

1,085.0

Descent between points.

Total.

Feet.

40.0 

10.4 

31.0 

25.0 

10.4 

C.8 

8.4

27.8 

11.2 

27.0

Per 

mile.

Feet.

5.7 

1.3 

1.6 

4.5 

10.4 

6.8 

8.4

5.6 

7. 5 

9.0

a Authority: Nos. 1-9 and 11, U. S. engineers; 10, Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Kwy. 

Important logging dams are described by United Stales engineers as follows: 

Logging dams on Yellow River.

Name. Location.

Sec

Sec,

Sec

27, T. 39 N., R

10, T. 38 N., R

20, T. 39 N., R

7, T. 40 N., R.

13 W. . . .

14 W . . .

1GW...

Head.

Feet.

10.0 

18.0

Capacity.

Cubic feet. 

475,000,000

700,000,000 

1,400,000,000

Remarks.

Small capacity.

Head could lie increased to 15 feet.

Raises water in Yellow Lake 3 feet.

EAU CLAIRE RIVER.

Eau Claire River has its source in lakes of the same name at an elevation of 1,122 feet a 

above sea level. These lakes are surrounded by high banks, so that at small expense a 

dam could be constructed at their outlet and made to store surplus waters, thus adding 

greatly to all water power on the river. In its short length of 25 miles this river descends 

118 feet, including several rapids, 46 feet of this descent being concentrated in the first 

6 miles below Eau Claire Lakes. The total drainage area of the river is 107 square miles.

APPLE RIVER.

Apple River, like the Willow, occupies a comparatively well-settled valley. It drains 

an area of 427 square miles. The Wisconsin Central, the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis 

and Omaha, and the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie railways are distant 1 to 

5 miles from the river, the last-named road crossing it near Amery. The river has its 

source in 20 or more lakes, the largest 6 miles long and one-half to three-fourths of a mile 

wide. These lakes tend to equalize and increase the summer flow. The long and severe 

winters cause the minimum flow during the months of January and February.

Formerly most of the dams on Apple River were used in connection with logging operations, but the timber is now practically all cut. Flouring mills have been maintained at

a Rept, Chief Eng. U. S. Army, 1883.
ST. CBOIX RTVEE SYSTEM. 127

a number of points, and at others the power is used for electric lighting. There are several 

projects at the present time which look to large improvements of some of these powers. 

The river in the first and last thirds of its course runs through the Cambrian sandstone, 

while its middle" third is through the "Lower Magnesian'' limestone. In the lower third 

of its course the river flows over a rocky bed between rocky banks, giving ideal conditions 

for dams. Most of the larger powers occur in this stretch, and some of these, developed 

and undeveloped, are described below:

1. The first power on the river is an undeveloped one located about li miles fiom its 

mouth. A dam at this point would give a head of 15 feet.

2. The second power, owned by the St. Croix Power Company, is located about 2 miles 

from the mouth. Here a concrete dam of the arch type, 250 feet long-and 47 feet high, 

develops a head of 82 feet.

3. Four miles from the mouth is a gristmill with a head of 11 feet, owned by E. E. Mason.

4. The next dam, located in sec. 35, T. 31 N., R. 19 W., develops a head of IS feet.

5. Another dam, located in sec. 31, T. 31 N., R. 18 W., with a head of 22 feet, is owned, 

under the name of the Apple River Power Company, by the Western Gas and Investment 

Company of Chicago, which also owns No. 4, described above.

6. A dam 12 miles above the mouth of Apple River gives a head of 29 feet. The discharge at this point is about 80 per cent of the total flow measured at the mouth. This 

power is transmitted electrically to New Richmond, where it is used by mills and elevators.

The powers on Apple River of less importance are described in the following table:

Minor water powers on Apple River.

Location.

Above mouth:

13J miles. ................................

See. 17, T. 12. N, R. 13 \V ...................

Owner and use.

H. L. Bixbv, flour.........

M. C. Dugglcs & Jevvett. . . .

11. L. Bixbv.. -----.. .---.

J. C. Schnyder, flour. ......

vators. 

Blake.......................

Head.

Feet. 

11

8

12

9

1''

12

11'

Remarks.

Undeveloped.

Do.

Do.

Do.

One-half total disehaige developed

Developed; can be

made 18 1'eet

There are many other powers above Blakes Lake, with heads of from 6 to 20 feet, mostly 

old logging dams in poor condition. When the region becomes more settled some of these, 

powers will be improved.

The following data on the discharge of Apple River for the year 1903 are furnished by 

John Pearson, superintendent of the St. Croix Power Company, Somerset, Wis. The 

computations are based on the capacity of turbines located at a point 2 miles from the 

mouth of Apple River. The average daily discharge for each month is as follows:

Estimated daily discharge of Apple River near Somerset, Wis., for 1903.

Month. Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

258

239

Month.

Mav...... --......-.-.

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

800

468

492

380

Month.

September............

1

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

090

060

362

324
128 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

WILLOW RIVER.

Willow River, one of the smaller tributaries of the St. Croix, has a high gradient, due to 

the fact that its bed lies in the "Lower Magnesian" limestone for its entire length. It 

drains an area of only 246 square miles and has a length of about 35 miles. In the lower 

two-thirds of this distance, between Hudson and Jewett Mills, it descends 213 feet, giving 

many opportunities for water power. Many of these powers are improved, as the river 

traverses a fairly rich and well-settled country and is paralleled for a considerable distance 

either by the Wisconsin Central or the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway. 

The powers are here briefly described in order, beginning at the mouth:

1. A timber dam at Hudson 100 feet long gives a head of 16 feet, and with improved 

machinery would develop 117 horsepower at ordinary low water. A part of this power is 

used occasionally for electric light when the power described as No. 3 is short of water.

2. Two miles from the mouth of Willow River a dam formerly developed a 9-foot head 

and was used for driving a flouring mill. At present this dam is washed out.

3. The 130-foot dam of the Willow River Electric Light and Power plant, 3J miles from 

the mouth of the river, gives a head of 22 feet, sufficient to develop 200 theoretical horsepower at ordinary low-water flow. The power is used to generate electricity for lighting 

the city of Hudson, Wis., and for pumping its water supply.

4. A timber dam 100 feet long, 54 miles from the mouth of Willow River, gives a head 

of 24 feet, sufficient to develop about 125 horsepower. This power is used for a flouring 

mill. About 1,200 feet below this dam there is a fall of about 47 feet, and at this point 

a new dam could be erected, which could be made to include the 24-foot dam above, giving 

a total head of 71 feet. Such a dam would need to be about 26 feet high and about 70 or 

80 feet long. By carrying the water a short distance below in a penstock, a total head 

of 105 feet could be secured, sufficient to develop about 600 horsepower at ordinary flow 

of water. This site, being where the river bed changes from the "Lower Magnesian" 

limestone to the. Cambrian sandstone, affords ideal conditions for a dam. The town of 

Burkhardt, on the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway, is located about 

a mile distant.

5. Seven miles from the mouth of Willow River a 100-foot timber dam gives a head of 

16 feet. This power is used to run dynamos.

6. Rapids occur 8n miles from the mouth of Willow River. A dam 125 feet long at this 

point, located at comparatively small expense in a narrow limestone gorge, could be made 

to develop a head of 22 feet.

7. At a point about 11 miles from the mouth of Willow River the Boardman flouring 

mills were formerly located. The 80-foot timber dam at this point was washed out some 

time ago, but the mill still stands. If the dam were replaced, a head of 16 feet or more 

could be easily developed. All the above powers on Willow River are owned by C. Burkhardt, who has the right of flowage wherever needed along this stretch of 11 miles, giving 

an aggregate descent of nearly 200 feet.

8. The next power on Willow River is located at New Richmond. A timber dam 40 

feet long, owned by the New Richmond roller mills, develops a head of 18 feet.

9. The last dam on this stream is located at Jewett, 5 miles east of New Richmond. 

Power afforded by a 10-foot head is owned by P. Newell & Hennesey and used in a feed 

mill and sawmill. Above this point Willow River is too small for water-power use.

CLAM RIVER.

Clam River drains an area of 416 square miles. It is formed by two branches North 

Fork and South Fork which unite near the center of the drainage area just above Clam 

Lake. The river descends about 350 feet in a total length of 50 miles, and, as much of 

this high gradient is concentrated at rapids, several good opportunities are offered for 

development. The river flows through a comparatively thinly settled region, which as 

yet has no railroads. Several railroads, however, cross the margins of the drainage, The
.ST. CEOIX RIVER SYSTEM. 129

following statements regarding its principal water powers are based on information given 

the writer by Edward L. Peet, editor of the Journal, Grantsburg, Burnett County.

A large, unimproved water power exists in T. 40 X., near the line between Rs. 17 and 18 

W. At this point the banks of Clam River are 80 to 150 feet high, and the land which 

would l>e flooded is low and of little value. Above the proposed dam the valley bottom 

-.will average half a mile wide, with a few expansions to 1J miles. The bed of the river is 

dlay and bowlders, mixed with sand. Plenty of timber for the construction of a dam grows 

in the swamps close at hand. Bowlders are also abundant at the dam site. The levels 

takipn on a recent survey show that this power could be improved in the following ways: 

A cUm 6 rods long at the range line would give a head of 20 feet. A dam 10 rods long 

built farther downstream would produce a head of 35 feet. By adding a 6-foot embankment 

for a distance of 20 rods this head could be increased to 28 feet: or a dam 60 rods long 

could be built across the valley with an average height of 40 feet and a maximum height 

.of 85 feet. If the water were conducted by canal a distance of about a mile to the low-- 

lands adjacent to St. Croix River, turbines could be installed with a head of 100 feet. This 

dajn site is distant only 3 miles from other large, undeveloped powers on St. Croix and Yellow rjvers, with which it could be easily and cheaply connected by electric transmission.

About half a mile below Clam Lake there is now a logging dam with a head of about 20 feet 

which raises the water in the lake 3 or 4 feet. This dam impounds the water from a drainage area of 283 square miles. United States engineers reported that a dam would need to 

be 560 feet long at this point to produce a head of 25 feet. Such a dam would have a 

capacity of 4,670,786,000 cubic feet,o and if properly regulated could be made to greatly 

increase the amount and value of the powers below. The engineers found that the bed 

of the river consisted of sand from 3 to 20 feet, at which depths soundings indicated hard 

materials, supposed to be clay and gravel.

Another large water power is found at Clam Falls, in sec. 13, T. 37 N., R- 16 W., where 

the river falls over a wide ledge of the ''Keweenawan " rocks. A dam at this point impounds 

the drainage from an area of 45 square miles and develops a head of 34 feet. Between 

Clam Falls and Clam Lake the slope is small and the river valley half a mile to \\ miles 

wide. The river profile is shown in the following table, compiled from surveys made by 

United States engineers:

Profile of Clam River from iV.s mouth to Clam Falls.

Station.

St. Croix, road ( 

Clara Lake, men 

Sec. 35, T. 38 N.

ith

Dist

From 

mouth.

ance.

Between 

points.

Miles. i Miles.

H.O

19.0

........................................ 32. 5

1

6.0 

13.0 

10.0 

3.5

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

Feet.

8HS 

SS1 

947 

9H7

Descent lictwepn points.

Total.

Feet.

13

<iti 

20

Peinnle.

Feet.

 i 

5.1 

2.0

XAMEKAGON AND TOTOGATIC RI\ ERS.

Namekagon River rises in a large lake of the same name near the divide in the watersheds of Chippewa and Bad rivers. Its drainage area is second in extent of all the St. 

Croix tributaries. Namekagon Lake is formed by six or more connected lakes, occupying 

parts of 14 sections and surrounded by extensive cedar and tamarack marshes. In the 

upper 60 miles of its course the river is generally narrow and swift, stretches of rapids over

'Kept. Chief Kng. U. S. Army 1SSU, p. 1U19.

IRR 156 06-
130 WATER POWEES OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

pre-Cambrian crystalline rock being frequent.a There are also several vertical falls of 

2 to 4 feet, which, together with the rapids, furnish good opportunities for water powers. 

The banks are high on either side, stretching away into high, broken ridges and sand barrens 

covered with timber. In the remaining 25 miles of its length the river is from 100 to 200 

feet wide. In this reach it descends 130 feet, including several sharp pitches and rapids, 

th j principal of which are Little and Big Bull rapids and Dupee flats. The average slope 

ol the river is 5.3 feet per mile.

A good location for a dam is found 4 miles above the mouth of the river, where the high 

gravel banks approach within 600 feet. A head of 20 feet or more could be obtained here 

without overflowing much land, impounding the drainage from 1,000 square miles. With 

the ordinary low-water flow estimated at one-third of a second-foot per square mile, this 

would produce 740 theoretical horsepower. Because of the storage effect of the present 

dams above this point, the river at this site might be made to produce nearly 1,000 horsepower. \nother good location for a dam is found at Yeazie, on the Chicago, St. Paul, 

Minneapolis and Omaha Railway. By overflowing 6,000 acres, mostly railroad and 

Government land, a head of 30 feet could be obtained, according to United States engineers. A dam of 15 feet head would cause little overflow. Such a dam would have the 

run-oft' from about 800 square miles and at ordinary low water would produce 275 theoretical horsepower. Small dams are located at Stiunett and at the outlet of Lake Namekagon. A dam owned by the Hayward Electric Light and Power Company, located near 

Hayward, develops 200 horsepower and is used for light and power purposes in that city.

Additional information regarding undeveloped powers is given in the following profile:

Profile of Xamekagon River from its mouth to Cable, Wis.a

ho.

1 

o

3 

4

5

6

7 

8

9

10 

11

13

14 

15 

1C. 

17

Station.

McKinzie Creek, mouth, see. 28, T. 42 N., R. 13 W .

Stuntz Brook, mouth, sec. 27, T. 42 N., R. 13 W. .

K.E. Jsec. 34, T. 41 X., R. 13 AY...................

Sec. 18, T. 40 N., R. 12 W., near center.. ..........

Sec. 39, T. 40 N., R. 12 W., near center.. ..........

SW. |sec. 27, T. 40 N., R. 12 W. ..................

River Jordan, mouth, sec. 21, T. 40 N., R. 11 W...

Spring Brook, mouth, see. 15, T. 40 N., R. 11 W ..

Chippenacia Creek, mouth, sec. 33, T. 40 N., R. 10 W

Distance.

From 

mouth.

Miles.

4.0 

5.0 

13.0

15.0

16.0 

19.5 

21.5

Between 

points.

Miles.

4.0 

1.0 

8.0

2.0

1.0 

3.5 

2.0

Elevation

above 

sea level.

Descent between points.

Total. Per 

mile.

Ftct. Feet. Feet. 

^90S. 0

917. 8 

918.0 

944.0

9.8 2.4 

.2 .2 

26. 0 3.2

952. 0 8. 0 4. 0

958. 0 6. 0 

990. 0 32. 0 

1,004.5 14.5

6.0 

9,0

7 2

24.0 2.5 1,024.2 19.7 7.9

25.5

35. 5

1.5 ' 1,025.2 

3.0 1,039.0 

7.0 1 , 058. 0

37.0 1.5 1,068.0

43.0 

45.0 

59.0

70.0

6.0 1,115.0 

12.0 1,136.0 

14.0 ' 1,218.0 

11.0 1,303.0

1.0 .7 

13. 8 4. fi 

19.0 27

10.0

47.0 

21.0 

82.0 

85.0

6.0

7.8 

10.5 

5.9

a Authority: Nos. 1-14, and 16, U. S. engineers; 15 and 17, Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha 

Railway.

In its length of 55 miles, Totogatic River, the principal tributary of the Namekagon, 

descends 350 feet. It enters the main stream only 5 miles above its mouth. The region 

is high and precipitous, with frequent ledges of pre-Cambrian crystalline rock and bowlders. As a result, the stream forms for miles a series of rapids with many vertical falls of 

10 feet or more. Many logging dams already exist, the most important being located

aSimar, V. B., Asst. U. S. Engineer: Rept. Chief Eng. U. S. Army, 1SSO, p. 1616.
ST. GEOIX RIVER SYSTEM. 181

as follows: Sec. 13, T. 42 X., R. 10 W.; sec. 6, T. 42 X., E. 10 W.: and sec. 12, T. 43 K., 

R. 10 W. A good site for a dam is near the outlet of Gilmore Lake, in sec. 9, T. 42 N., R. 

12 W.: and another in sec. 12, T. 42 X., R. 12 W. The following profile of Totogatic 

River is compiled from surveys made by United States engineers:

Mouth of 

Sec. 13, T

NK. } sec 

NE. J sec

NK. i sec 

NK. I sec

river

instance.

From Between 

mouth, points.

3^,, Me,.

42 X., R. 13 W.. dsim _ 115 11.. 1

10, T. 42 N 

3, T. 42 X..

13, T. 42 X 

15 T. 42 N

, R. 12 W ....................... 20.0 S.o 

R. 10 W. ....................... 37.0 17.0

,R. 10 W ....................... 40.0 3.0 

, R. 9 W ........................ 50. 0 10. 0

Elevation 

above 

sea level.

918. 0 

975. 5 

1,008.8 

1,108.4 

1,241.6

Descent hetween points.

Total.

.."..'..

57. 5 

23.3 

159. 6 

73.2 

10.0

Per

mile.

Feet.

5.0

j-. 7

9.4 

24.4 

1.0

MINOR STREAMS.

Z". Emptying into St. Croix River a few miles south of Willow River is a 

small stream known as Osceola Creek. In the city of Osceola, near its mouth, is a water 

power with a head of 90 feet, owned by the Osceola Mill and Elevator Company. This 

dam furnishes the power to run a mill with a capacity of 175 barrels per day. One-fourth 

of a mile above is another dam with a head of 26 feet.

JL;nn?V;z?;n;f jZnYv. A small river emptying into St. Croix River only 5 miles above its 

mouth bears this name. Its gradient is so high that there are a number of good sites for 

water powers. The descent in 10 miles is 190 feet. The following is a tabulated statement 

of its water power:

powvr.s o?;

Nn.

2 

3

4 

5 

0

8 

0

10

11

12

Location. Oxvncr and use. Head.

J^f?

7 miles from mouth - ^0

River Falls:

1 mile helow ......

.....do................

.....do................

7 miles above River 

Falls. 

South Branch, sec. 1. 

T. 27 N.. R. 19 W. 

1 mile above Xo. in. . .

................................. 14

Oeo. Fortune. mill and elevator S 

Prairie mill and elevator. ..... 14

W.H. Piitnam. feed and nnnr.. .% 

Glass Bros., manufacturers ... 14

Estimated 

horsepower.

7o

fO 

140 

40 

CO

30

ISO

Remarks.

Timber dam. 

Good dam location.

Timber darn, 9 by 120. 

Timlter dam. 

Timber dam, 4 by 210. 

Timber dam, 12 by ISO. 

Dam out.

Timber dam, 2(S by 1%4

"Figures are low-water estimates. Xos. 1 and 5-12 developed; 2-4, undeveloped.
132 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

LAKE SUPERIOR DRAINAGE SYSTEM. 

TOPOGRAPHY.

The watershed which limits the area of Lake Superior drainage in Wisconsin varies in 

elevation (above the level of Lake Superior) from 600 feet near the Minnesota line to over 

1,000 feet near the Michigan line. Its average distance from Lake Superior is only 30 

miles. For this reason the rivers are comparatively small; but owing to the fact that 

their high gradient, 600 to 1,000 feet, is largely concentrated at a few points, they offer 

many opportunities for water-power development. From a point near the center of the 

watershed a wide and nearly flat table-land, of which Bayfield Peninsula and the Apostle 

Islands form the northern prolongation, separates the drainage into eastern and western 

sections of nearly equal area. In both of these sections three distinct belts of topography 

are usually distinguished. The southernmost belt consists of a plateau in large part covered 

\vi-h swamps and lakes and is so flat that in many cases the water from the same swamps 

and lakes may flow either north to Lake Superior or south to the Mississippi.

From this flat watershed the descent northward is gradual until a range of mountains 

from 600 to 900 feet above the level of Lake Superior is reached. The northern slope of 

these mountains is much steeper than their southern slope, forming a marked though not 

continuous escarpment.

In the western section these mountains, known as Douglas Copper Range, reach a heightof 400 to 600 feet above the lake and have a width of 1 to 4 miles. They extend in an eastnortheast direction, gradually merging into the Bayfield moraine. From the crest of the 

mountains there is a sudden descent of 300 to 400 feet, caused by a faulting of the rocks. 

The Lake Superior rivers break through the ridges at this point, and here the greatest 

opportunities for water-power development are to be found.

In the eastern section the mountains, called the Penokee Iron Range, extend from a 

point on the Michigan boundary, 12 miles from Lake Superior, in a southwesterly direction 

for about 35 miles, gradually merging into the plateau. As in the western section, many 

falls and rapids occur in breaking through the hard ''Huronian" rocks of which the range 

is composed. Smaller falls continue for a distance of 5 to 6 miles after crossing the Penokee 

Range, or until the Copper Range has been crossed.

To the north of the highlands and extending with a gradual slope northward to the shores 

of Lake Superior lies a plain with a width of 5 to 15 miles. Its northern portion reaches an 

elevation of 100 to 200 feet above Lake Superior or 700 to 800 feet above the sea. The 

entire belt is underlain by till and deep layers of red clays sometimes mixed with sand. The 

rivers, both large and small, have cut deep and narrow banks in the clay soil. As a result 

the surface is carved in every direction by narrow water courses whose steep sides have a 

height of 25 to 100 feet, making railroad and highway construction expensive. Very few 

swamps are found in this lowland area. Because of the gradual slope of the shallow rivers 

opportunities for water-power development in this belt are rare. In many cases, however, 

there are important falls at the immediate mouths of the rivers and over the red sandstone.

WATER POWERS.

CHARACTER.

Owing to the fact that the rivers of the Lake Superior system in Wisconsin have a total 

fall of 400 to 1,000 feet in the narrow belt of 30 miles separating the plateau region in 

which they rise from Lake Superior, their currents are characteristically rapid. As a result 

the rainfall is quickly discharged, the streams alternating between small creeks and torrential rivers. While the storage of surplus waters is important everywhere in the State for 

the economical development of water power, it is here doubly so. The fact that the most 

important falls and rapids are in the upper half of the drainage area increases the difficulty 

of storing a large proportion of the rainfall. With a storage of less than 5 to 15 per cent 

of the rainfall most of the rivers would furnish at low water an insignificant flow.
LAKE SUPERIOR DRAINAGE SYSTEM. 133

Rainfall data regarding this drainage area are scanty, but sufficient to show that the rainfall increases from the lake to the highlands. This fact is strikingly shown by the precipitation r.iap published by the United States Weather Bureau and shown in fig. 1 (p. 16}. It 

is here seen that the rainfall increases southward at the aveiage rate of about 5 inches every 

25 miles, the maximum not being reached until after the highlands are passed. This fact 

has an important bearing on the value of the water powers, because, as alrcadv stated, it 

necessitates the location of reservoirs to a large extent in this region of greatest rainfall. 

The most important water powers occur near the Copper ranges and the Penokee Iron 

Range, where future mining operations may render them of much economic importance.

Although the water powers of St. Louis River lie outside the State, they are located so 

near the Wisconsin boundary that development contemplates their extensive use in SupeT. 48 - R. 16

FIG. 5. Plan of canal of Great Northern Power Company. St. Louis River.

rior and other Wisconsin cities. An important feature of St. Louis River i.-, the concentration of its descent in the lower reaches, where its volume is greatest. This provides opportunities for water power which if distributed among its smaller tributaries would be in large 

part wasted. The upper portions of St. Louis River are sluggish, flowing through many 

lakes and swamps, but as the waters near the lake their speed is increased until at a point 

about 22 miles from Lake Superior, just above Fond du Lac, there is a series of falls and 

rapids extending 6 miles upstream from a point 2 miles from the Wisconsin boundary. In 

this distance of 6 miles the river descends 456 feet in a series of wild leaps over the upturned 

ledges of slate rock, forming a water power which has few superiors in the West. This 

power and the riparian rights are owned by the Great Northern Power Company. Mr.
134 WATER POWERS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

F. A. Cokefair, chief engineer of the company, furnishes the following statement under date 

of January 23, 1904:

One steel gravity dam 30 feet high and (J20 feet long has already been constructed near the village of 

Thompson. This dam conserves the water in a rescrvior of about 1 square mile of area, from which 

the water is led through a canal 2t miles long, 62 foot wide, and 15 feet deep. (Fig. 5.) From the terminus of the canal the water is taken by iron pipes for a distance of about a mile and delivered under a 

head of 305 feet at the power house midway between Thompson and Fond du Lac. The capacity of 

this canal is sufficient to develop 100,000 horsepower. Final plans and designs are now completed, and 

work on the first station for the ultimate development of 100,000 horsepower will begin in tho early 

spring. Bids have been asked from leading manufacturers for the first three wheels of 12,500 horsepower capacity each, the largest units ever yet 1 milt and similar to those in use at Niagara Falls. Transmission lines will carry the power to the neighboring cities of Duluth and Superior, and even farther 

to the Mesabi and other iron ranges, where it will augment or displace steam power.

NEMADJI AND BLACK RIVERS. «

Unlike other rivers of the Lake Superior watershed, Nemadji River flows northeast 

instead of north and does not rise in an elevated region. As a result it is devoid of important rapids or falls suitable for water power.

Black River, the most important tributary of the Nemadji, rises in an elevated country, 

its source being in a lake on the Minnesota boundary. It flows north and empties into 

Nemadji River about 10 miles from Lake Superior at an elevation of only 20 feet above the 

lake. In the upper two-thirds of its length Black River flows through many tamarack and 

cedar swamps, which give to its waters a distinct color and taste. Up to about 4 miles 

from the Douglas Copper Range it occupies a wide valley with small descent. As this 

range is approached the valley narrows and its gradient increases. In the SE. \ sec. 28, T. 

47 X., R. 14 W. the hard layers of the '"Keweenawan" rocks cross the river, producing a 

vertical fall of 31 feet A total head of 160 feet & could easily be obtained here for a dam 

sue. As Black River has a drainage area of 80 square miles above these falls, an assumed 

run-off of 0.4 second-foot per square mile gives 560 theoretical horsepoVer. A company 

was formed some time ago to improve this power, and a franchise was secured from the city 

of Superior for lighting by electricity, but no construction has yet been done. The water 

at the head of the upper rapids is 387 feet above Lake Superior; at their foot, 50 yards 

beyond, the elevation is 227 feet. From this point the river passes for nearly a mile through 

a gorge 100 to 170 feet deep, below which the walls of the gorge are less elevated above the 

stream, but the current is very rapid until it joins Nemadji River 4 miles below. From the 

foot of Black River Falls to the junction with the Nemadji the total descent is 200 feet, an 

average of 50 feet to the mile.

BOIS BRULE RIVER.

Though over 33 miles long, Bois Brule River has a drainage area of only 200 square 

miles, practically all of which is in the highland district. It rises in a swamp, near St. 

Croix Lake, at an elevation of 420 feet above the level of Lake Superior. In sec. 15, T. 

46 N., R. 10 W., at the Dalles, Bois Brule River is only 25 feet wide, with banks of clay and 

bowlders averaging 8 feet in height. Near this point there are swift rap ds, with a total 

descent of about 15 feet in 200 yards. Similar rapids about 3 miles farther north, near the 

township line, continue as far as the mouth of Nebagemain River, the most important 

tributary of the Bois Brule, in sec. 27, T. 47 N., R. 10 W. For the next 10 or 12 miles 

the current is very sluggish until the head of the lower rapids is reached, in sec. 26, T. 48 

N., R. 10 \Y. From this point to within 1J miles of Lake Superior rapids and small falls 

(the largest being 4 or 5 feet in height) occur almost continuously. These descend an 

aggregate of 200 feet over ''Keweenawan'' eruptives and sandstones. By constructing 

dams at the outlets of Lakes Nebagemain and Minnesung the surplus water could be held

a The authority for most of the statements concerning the Lake Superior rivers is Prof. R. I). 

Irving: Geology of Wisconsin, vol. 3, 1M80. 

t> Sweet, E. T.', Geol. Wisconsin, vol. 3,1880,p. 319.
LAKE SUPERIOK DKA1NAGE SYSTEM. 185

back and used at times of low water, thus adding greatly to the value of the water powers 

on the river. At present there are no dams. Mr. Howard Thomas, city engineer of Superior, Wis., states that the normal discharge of this river is 100 second-feet, and that at several points heads of 40 feet could be obtained by dams between bluffs or with dams and 

flumes along the banks. Such a head would give 4.50 theoretical horsepower. Because of 

its comparatively small watershed and the fact that the river is fed very largely by springs 

.it is not subject to freshets.

MONTREAL AND GOGOSHUNGUN RIVERS.

For nearly its entire length Montreal River forma a part of the Michigan-Wisconsin boundary. It rises in a tangle of lakes and tamarack swamps near the boundary line at an elevation of about 1,600 feet above sea level, or 1,000 feet above Lake Superior. Its length 

is 50 miles, the highest gradient being concentrated in the last quarter of this distance. 

This exception to the general rule of the Lake Superior drainage area is due to the fact 

that here the Penokee Iron Range and its associated highlands of the "Keweenawan'' series 

approach Lake Superior within a distance of only 3 miles, leaving no lowland region.

About 1,300 feet from its mouth, on the north line of sec. 7, T. 47 N., R. 1 E., is a vertical fall of 35 feet over sandstone. It is stated by an officer of the Duluth, South Shore 

and Atlantic Railway that a head of 55 feet could be developed here by constructing a 

flume 100 feet long. Because of the lakes and swamps at the headwaters of this river it is 

likely that at least 5 per cent of the annual rainfall could be stored in reservoirs. This 

would give, from its 280 square miles of drainage area, an ordinary now of 140 second-feet, 

equivalent, with a head of 55 feet, to 868 theoretical horsepower. In the last five-eighths 

of a mile of its course Montreal River descends 90 feet. The railway official mentioned 

above also states that another power site is located in the XW. j S\V. 5 sec. 21, T. 47 N., 

R. 1 E., at falls of 60 feet over the crystalline rocks. As the banks are high, a 20-foot 

dam, with a flume 250 feet long, "would develop a head of 80 feet. Both of the above powers are within 4 miles of the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway. At Ironwood, 

about 2 miles above these falls, the river has an elevation of 880 feet. In the 5 miles above 

Ironwood the river descends only 30 feet, and for the remainder of its upper reaches its 

current is slow. At all the rapids on this river the conditions are favorable for the building of dams.

The Gogoshungun, a branch of the Montreal, is nearly as large as the upper Montreal, 

being about 30 miles long. Its total descent is 500 feet. Until the river reaches the Penokee Range its current is sluggish, being bordered by swamps. In its passage through the 

mountains, in sec. 27, T. 46 N., R. 2 E., a number of rapids and falls occur.

BAD RIVER.

MAIN RIVER.

The sources of Bad River lie in large swamps 8 miles south of the Penokee Iron Range, 

at an elevation of 900 feet above the level of Lake Superior. In this distance of 8 miles its 

descent is 110 feet, but its course is sinuous, as may be inferred from the fact that the Wisconsin Central Railway is forced to cross it eight times. About 1A miles above Mellen are 

rapids called Copper Falls, which have a total descent of about 60 feet. (PI. V, B.) The 

river at this point has a drainage area of about 144 square miles. According to a survey, 

5 per cent of the annual rainfall could be easily stored in dams near the headwaters, which 

should provide an ordinary flow of 68 second-feet, equivalent to 460 theoretical horsepower.

Near the Penokee Range Bad River enters a gorge of pinkish granite, narrowing in places 

to a width of 10 feet and descending 20 feet in 30 rods, with a total descent of .50 feet in 

three-fourths of a mile. The river then widens and continues with reduced grade until 

Penokee Gap is reached, when it again contracts. Coming into contact with the "Huronian " rocks, it flows along their strike. In the next 4 miles occur man}- rapids and several
136 WATEK POWERS OP NORTHERN WISCONSIN".

falls, including one of 35 feet. In the next 1,000 feet, in whick the river descends 40 feet, 

Tylers Fork, the most important tributary, is reached. Directly at the junction Tylers 

Fork has a fall of 45 feet over the wall of a gorge 65 feet deep. This is in sec. 17, T. 45 N., 

R. 2 W. A competent engineer, reporting on this water power, states that dams could 

develop here a head of about 120 feet. The tributary drainage area is given at 234 square 

miles. On the assumption that the rainfall is only 32 inches and that reservoirs can be 

made to store 15 per cent of the rainfall, it was estimated that the river would furnish a, 

continuous flow of 206 second-feet, equivalent to about 3,000 theoretical horsepower. It 

was proposed to conduct this power electrically to Ashland.

In the next 1,000 feet below Tylers Fork the river flows through a rocky gorge 100 feet 

deep, beyond which the rocks disappear and the stream flows between high banks of red 

clay, the ground rising rapidly on both sides. The total descent in sec. 17 is probably 135 

feet. In the next 6 miles of its sinuous course, to the mouth of Maringouin River v the 

river descends about 3C feet to the mile. Both rivers at their confluence are broad and 

deep, with slow-moving, muddy currents and wide bottom lands conditions which continue to the mouth of Bad River.

Farther north, "2\ miles from this junction, Bad River receives the waters of Potato 

River. At this point its elevation is 80 feet above the level of Lake Superior, In sec, 25, 

T. 47 N., R. 3 W., occur some small falls, of 1 or 2 feet, over red sandstone and shale, which 

continue for perhaps 2 miles. Below these falls Bad River continues sluggish, deep, and 

tortuous, with bold and high clay banks, until White River is reached. For the remainder of its course the river finds its way to Lake Superior through swamps.

TRIBUTARIES.

The principal tributaries of Bad River, named in order from its mouth, are as follows: 

White River entering from the west; Potato River from the east; Maringouin or Mosquito 

River from the west, and Tylers Fork from the east.

White River. This river, the largest tributary of Bad River, has a total length of about 

45 miles, and drains an area of 400 square miles. It rises in Long Lake, at about 700 feet 

above the level of Lake Superior. Most of its descent is concentrated in its upper waters, 

where its discharge is least. It pursues a general northeasterly course, with many windings through high and steep clay banks, like those described on Bad River. Its only 

considerable falls are in see. 6, T. 46 N., R. 4 W., where the river was originally obstructed 

by the edges of southward-dipping rocks. A dam with a 20-foot head has been maintained 

here for several years, and until October, 1903, furnished the power to run a paper mill. 

At that time the mill burned, and it has not been rebuilt. It had turbines rated at 710 

horsepower. The owner, George Davidson, reports that he has a charter for a dam with 

30-foot head, to be located about 1,300 feet upstream. The main dam as planned would 

be 125 feet long, with an embankment 10 to 12 feet high and 900 feet long. Mr. Davidson 

also states that about 500 feet below the present dam there is a location for a dam with 

a 9-foot head. At three dam sites the bed of the river" is in sandstone which extends 10 

feet above the water surface. The rock is overlain with red clay.

Maringouin River. Maringouin River, sometimes also called Maringo (Mosquito) River, 

has a total length of about 40 miles and drains an area of 231 square miles. Four miles 

from its source it crosses the Penokee Range. Here, in the NW. | sec. 23, T. 44 N., R. 

5 W., the river descends, in a series of three falls, a total distance of 65 feet within a few 

rods. The two upper falls, of 15 and 25 feet, respectively, are only 50 feet apart. Nothing 

but the limited amount of water prevents this from being a valuable water power. For 

the remainder of its course the river is devoid of falls or rapids, flowing between high clay 

banks.

Within 6 miles of its junction with Bad River, the Maringouin receives several rapid 

tributaries, the most important of which is Brunsweiler Creek. This creek rises in the 

same swamp with Maringouin River, but, unlike it, has important falls north of the 

"Hurouian" hills. Until Bladder Lake is passed in sec. 11, T. 44 N., R. 4 W., the cur-
LAKE SUPEEIOE DRAINAGE SYSTEM. 137

rent is sluggish. The outlet of this lake is only 6 feet wide, with rock walls on either side. 

A dam which would greatly raise the water in the lake could be constructed here at slight 

expense. At the outlet of the lake there is a long series of chutes and rapids for a distance of over 6 miles. In this stretch the creek flows through a narrow valley with steep, 

rocky hills. The last important descent occurs near the north line of sec. 22, T. 45 N., 

R. 4 E., where the stream leaves the Copper Range, the slope being 30 feet in a distance 

of 130 feet.

Toilers Fork. This tributary is the only one which joins Bad River before the lowlands 

are reached. Tylers Fork, nevertheless, has a length of 30 miles and a total descent of 

700 feet. Until it reaches the tenokee Range its current is sluggish. In the NE. J sec. 

33, T. 45 N., R. 1 W., the river falls 20 feet over the hard "Huronian" rock. Less than a 

mile farther on, in sec. 28, occurs a series of low falls over black slate, the descent being 20 

feet in a distance of 500 feet. On the north line of sec. 20 the river surface is 760 feet 

above the level of Lake Superior. In the next 10 miles of its course it descends 260 feet, 

but without any considerable rapids. On the west line of sec. 15, T. 45 X., R. 2 W., the 

elevation of the water is 485 feet. The current now becomes swifter and about a quarter 

of a mile below the east line of sec. 16 is a series of rapids which continues to its junction 

with Bad River, ending in the 45-foot fall already described (p. ). As these falls and 

rapids are within a mile of the Wisconsin Central Railway, they seem destined to become 

of some economic importance.

Potato Rirer. In its course of only 30 miles, Potato River has a total descent of over 

900 feet. The river is small until it is joined in sec. 15, T. 46 N., R. 1 W., by Little Potato 

River. From this confluence a course nearly due west for 12 miles takes it to Bad River. 

Near the east line of sec. 17, T. 46 X., R. 1 W., at 428 feet above the level of Lake Superior, 

is a series of rapids followed by a series of cataracts. These rapids begin on the east line 

SE. \ SW. \ sec. 17, T. 46 X., R. 1 W., and are in the trap rock. In the next quarter mile 

abrupt descents of 10, 4, and 40 feet occur, with swift water between. A still larger fall 

of 60 feet or more is located near the west line of sec. 17, and as the banks are high and 

precipitous, a suitable dam would develop a head of nearly or quite 100 feet. On both 

sides of the west line of sec. 17, about 2,000 feet north of the southwest corner, is a series 

of bold falls having a total descent of 80 feet in a distance of 5flO feet, with two leaps of 

25 feet and 32 feet, respectively. The total fall in sees. 17 and IS is 170 feet. These 

falls, being over solid rock of conglomerate and sandstone, furnish ideal conditions for 

dams. Below sec. 18 the river course is tortuous and slow.

MINOR RIVERS.

Aminicon, Middle, Poplar, and Iron rivers are small streams in Douglas County They 

are all swift streams with many small falls, but are subject to great variations of flow, 

being insignificant at low water. A corporation known as the Iron River Water, Light 

and Power Company has recently constructed a dam 135 feet long, with a head of 32 feet, 

on Iron River, in sec. 22, T. 47 N., R. 10 W., the intention being to install turbines of 1,000 

horsepower, which will be transmitted to near-by towns.

RAILROADS.

All the falls which occur near the Penokce Range on Bad River and Tylers Fork are 

near the Wisconsin Central Railway. Montreal and White rivers are crossed by the 

Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic, the Chicago and Northwestern, and the Wisconsin 

Central railways. The western half of the Lake Superior watershed has good transportation facilities. Branches of the Great Northern Railway cross the valley of Black River 

and follow the valley of Nemadji River. Besides these the drainage is crossed by the 

Northern Pacific, the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha, and the Minneapolis, 

St. Paul, and Sault Ste. Marie railways, and by minor logging roads.
I
N P E X

A. Page.

Afton, power development at.........---.. 116

Agriculture, development of............ 14,92-93

Alpena, Mich., temperature at............. 15

Amery, power development at............. 1-7

Arnherst, power development at........... 62

precipitation at......................... 45

Aminicon River, description of ............ 137

Apple River, drainage area of........ lls, 125-126

fall at mouth of ........................ 119

power development and sites on ..... 120-127

run-off of .............................. 127

Appleton, fall at............................ 22,35

flow at.................................. 22

power development at ................. 35-37

precipitation at......................... 40

Arbor Creek, power development at........ 02

Arkansas, power development at .......... 116

Arkansas Creek, power development on.... 116

Augusta, power development at............ 116

B.

Bad Eiver, tributaries of ................. 136-137

water powers on...................... 135-130

Bad Water rapids, water power at ......... 51

Balsorn Lake, water power on.............. 131

Baltimore rapids, water power at.......... 124

Baraboo quartzite, occurrence of........... 63

BaraboO River, drainage area of........... 63, ^3

Barnards rapids, dam site at............... 84

Bass Creek, power development on ........ 116

Battle Island, fall at........................ 78

power site at ........................... 78-79

Bear Creek, logging dam on................ 113

Bear Lake, fall at........................... 99

reservoir site at......................... 91-92

BelilLs Falls, water power at............. 103-104

Bevent, power development at............. 117

Big Fall>-, fall at............................ 107

view of ................................. 100

water power at......................... 106

Big Lake, elevation of ..................... 64

Big Quinnesec Falls, fall at................ 43

water power at......................... 52

Big Rock rapids, water power at........... 124

Bill Cross rapids, fall at.................... 67

water power at......................... 80

Biron dam, fall at.......................... 66

Black Creek, fall at mouth of .............. 66

Page.

Black River (Lake Superior drainage), water power on ................... 134

Black River (Mississippi River drainage),

character of .................... 85

drainage area of........................ 12

flow of.................................. MO-89

profile of................................ 85-86

rocks on ................................ 86

water powers on ....................... 89-90

Black River Falls, fall at................... 85

power development at ................. 89

Blaisdells Lake, fall at..................... 99

Blakes Lake, power development at....... 127

Bob Creek, fall at .......................... 99

Bois Brule River, drainage of .............. 134

water power on ...................... 134-135

Boulder Lake, fall at....................... K>7

Boyceville, power development at......... 117

Bridge Creek, power development on...... 116

Brokaw, full at............................. 06

power development at ................. *0

Brooks, T. B., on Little Quiiinesee Falls ... 

Bruce, fall at...............................

Brule, fall at ...............................

Brule River, character of .................. 55

dams on................................ 56

drainage area of .................... 42. r>0, 55

profile of ............................... 55

source of .............. ................ 43-44

Brunett Falls, fall at....................... 99

view Of................................. 80

water power at....................... 102-103

Brunett River, dam on ..................... 105

liuckataban Lakes, proposed dam at ...... 64

Buffalo Lake, origin of..................... 19

Bull Rapids, location of.................... 130

Burkhardt, water power near.............. 128

Butte des Morts, Lake, character of........ 19,34

Butternut Creek, reservoir site on ......... 91-92

Butternut Lake, reservoir site at........... 91-92

Cable, fall at............................... 130

Cambrian sandstone, occurrence of........ 11,

43,54,57,67,77,91,113,123

Cameron, fall at............................ 114

Catfish Lake, elevation of.................. 64

Cedar Creek, fall at mouth of .............. 66

Cedar Lake darn, fall at.................... 114

139
140 INDEX.

Page. 

Cedar rapids (Chippewa River), fall at.... 99

water power at......................... 104

Cedar rapids (Tomahawk River), location

of............................... 83

Cedar rapids dam, fall at................... 114

water power at....................... 114-115

Cedars dam, fall at......................... 22. 33

power development at.................. 37-38

Chalk Hill rapids, water power at ......... 53

Chevalley rapids, fall at.................... 99

Chicago and Northwestern Railway, access

to water powers by.42, 51, 57-5S, 105,137 

Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway,

access to water powers by ........ 13,

42,51,57,92,115

Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha 

Railway, access to water powers by ...... 90, 92.115,126, I2s, 130,137

Chippenacin Creok. fall at mouth of....... 130

Chippewu Falls, fall at..................... 99

power developments at .............. 101,116

Chippewa River, dams on.................. 105

drainage area of ......... 12, 90-91,98-100,103

fall of.................................. 98,103

power sites and developments on... 9, 98-105 

profile of............................... 99-100

plate showing ...................... 100

rapids on, view of...................... 80

reservoir sites on .................... 13,91-92

rocks on ................................ 91

run-oft" of............................... 93-98

timber oil............................... 90

 topography of ................... 90-91,98-100

tributaries of...................... 91,105-117

Fee alxo East Branch Chippewa; West

Branch Chippewa. 

Cincinnati shales, occurrence of........... 21

Clam Falls, water power at ................ 129

Clam Lake, fall at.......................... 129

Clam River, description of............... 128-129

drainage area of.................. 118, 125,128

fall at .................................. 119

jrofile of ............................... 129

water-power development at....... ... 129

Clays, occurrence and character of ........ 13

Climate, character of....................... 15-19

Cokefair, F. A., on St. Louis River power

development ................... 134

Colfax, fall at .............................. 114

power development at.................. 116

Colton rapids, fall at ....................... 99

Combined Locks dam, power development at 38 

view of................................. 38

Conover, elevation at ......................

Copper Falls, fall at........................

view of.................................

Court Oreilles Lake and rapids, water

power at........................ 104

Court Oreilles River, drainage area of.... 100,103

reservoir sites on................. ..... 91-92

water power on ........................ 104

Cranberry Lake, elevation of .............. 04

Crooked Rift rapids, location of............ 78

Crystal River, power development on...... 62

Crystalline rocks, occurrence of............ 10

Cuiiningham Creek, fall at mouth of....... 56

D. Page. 

Dalles (Chippewa River), power development at ........................ 117

Dalles (Eau Claire River), dam site at ..... 84

fall at .................................. 99

Dams. Src particular rivtrs, irfacfs, etc.

Davis Falls. ,S'fe Jim Falls.

Do Nevue Creek, power development on... 21

Deertail Creek, fall at mouth of............ 99

Dells dam, fall at........................... *5

water power at......................... 89

Depere, dam at, plan of, iigure showing ... 41

dam at, view of ........................ 38

fall at .................................. 22,33

power development at.................. 41

D(ig Lake, elevation of ..................... 64

Dore Flambeau River, character of ........ 113

dams on................................ 113

reservoir sites on ....................... 91-92

Douglas Copper Range, location and character of......................... 132

Downsville, fall at.......................... 114

power development at ............... 114-115

Drainage, character of...................... 12-13

ma]> showing........................... 12

Duck Creek, power development on ....... 21

Ducomon rapids, fall at.................... 106

Dulutli, Minn., rainfall at.................. 19

temperatures at ........................ 15

Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway,

access to water powers by.... 135,137

Duncan Creek, power development on..... 116

Dunnville, fall at .......................... 114

water power at......................... 114

Dupee flats, location of..................... 130

Durand, power development at............ 116

E.

Eagle Lakes, elevation of ..................

proposed dam at ...... ................

Eagle Point, power development at........

Eagle Rapids, fall at.......................

64

64

117

99

water power at......................... 101

Eagle River, lakes on ...................... 64

East Branch of Chippewa River, drainage

area of ....................... 100,103

profile of .............................. 99-100

reservoir sites on ....................... 91-92

water power on ........................ 104

East Forks, fall at mouth of................ 85

Eau Claire, flow near ...................... 93-98

gaging station near .................... 93

power development at ................. 117

Eau Claire River (Chippewa River drainage 1), drainage area of.... 100,103,115

fall at mouth of ........................ 99

power development on........... 100-101,115

Eau Claire River (St. Croix River drainage),

description of .... ............. 126

drainage area of ................. lls, 125-126

Eau Claire River (Wisconsin River drainage), dam sites on.............. S4

drainage area of........................ 63, 83

fall at mouth of ........................ 66

Eau Pleine River, dam sites on ............ 85

drainage area of........................ 03,83
INDEX. 141

Pay. 

Eighteen-mile Creek, power development

on.............................. Hi'

Elk River, logging dams on............... 113

Embarrass, power development at......... 62

rainfall at........................... 19,45-46

Embarrass River, power development on.. 62 

Engineers, army, reports of, on Wisconsin

rivers........................... 9,15

Escanaba, precipitation at................. 46

temperature at......................... 15

Escanaba River, flow of.................... 44

(fraud Chute, fall at........................

Grand Kaukauna, fall at................ 22,

power development at.................

Unmd rapids, fall at........................

Grand Rapids, fall at.......................

power development at.................

Grand River, power development on......

Grandfather rapids, fall Ht.................

view of.........

water power at.

F.

Fish Lake, elevation of .................. 64

Fisher River, fall at mouth of. ............. 99

Flambeau Lake, I< igging dam on ........... 118

Flambeau River, character of. ........... 1U5-1U6

drainage area of ............... 91, 100, 103, 103

fallof .................................. 106

fall at mouth of ........................ 99

water power at ..................... 103

falls on. view of........................ It'6

power development on ................. 106

profile of.............................. 106-107

run-off of ............................. 1 JT-112

source of ............................ 43 44, 91

tributaries of ........................... 113

Florence, precipitation at .................. 45

Forest conditions, discussion of ............ 14

Fox and Wisconsin Improvement Company, development by ......... 33-34

Fox River, drainage of ...... ............... 19-20

precipitation on ........................ 46

water powers on, development of ...... 9

Fox River, Lower, character of ............ 32

dams on, views of ...................... 38

drainage area of........................ 32

fallof................................... 22,32

goods on ................................ 32, 42

ice on. .................................. 32

legal status of water powers on ........ 38-34

navigation of ........................... 42

profile of ................................ 22

roek< on ................................ 21,32

run-oT of ............................... 22-32

topography on.......................... 21

water powers on ........................ 32-41

Fox River, Tapper, profile of ................ 20

water powers on ........................ 20-21

Fox-Wisconsin divide, character of........ 63-64

Galena limestone, occurrence of ........... 21

Geography,physical, of northern Wisconsin. 10-19 

Geological Survey, U. S.. on Wisconsin

rivers........................... 9-10

Geology, account of ........................ 10-11

Gilbert, fall at.............................. 67

Gilmorc Lake, dam @ite at.................. 131

Glacial drift, occurrence and character

of............................ 11,21,M

Glidden Station, fall at..................... 100

Gogo^hungun River, water power on...... 135

Goose Eye :npid\ fall at................... 99

water power at......................... 104

Grandmother rapids, fall at................

water power at.........................

Great Northern Power Co., power development of, figure showing........

Great Northern Railway, access to water 

power by.......................

Green Bay, elevation at....................

precipitation at.........................

Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Co.. development by......................

water power owned bv.. ........... S3,

Green Bay and Wes cm Railroad, access to 

water power by ................

Green Bay Valley, topography of ..........

.Greenleaf, J. L., on Mcnominee River.....

Gresham, power development at ..........

Grindstone rapids, power development at..

H.

Halcyon, fall at ............................

water power at.........................

Halfbreed rapids, location of...............

Balls Creek, fall at month of...............

"3 

36-40

S3 

85 

Harts, fall at............................... 326

Hat rapids, fall at.......................... 67

water power............................ 82

Hatfield, fall at............................. ,s5

water power at......................... S9

Batton. power development at............. 21

Bay River, dam on......................... 116

fall at................................... 114

Sector, logging dam at ... ................ 126

Bemlock dam, fall near.................... S6

power development at................. 90

High Falls, water power at ................ 56

Holcombe rapids, fall at ................... 99

power development at ................. 103

Homestead bridge, flow at................. 46

Horse Race rapids (Menominec River),

water power at................. 52

Horse Race rapids (St. Croix River), water

power at........................ 124

Hudson, water power near................. ]2M

Hunters Lake, fall at ...................... 99

Huronian rocks, occurrence of........ 10,135-137

Hydrography, account of .................. 12-13

>'cc «/w Drainage.

I.

Igneous rocks, occurrence of............... 10

Iron mines, location of..................... 43,51

Iron Mountain, Mich., fall at............... 43

now at.................................. 46-50

water power near....................... 52

Iron River (Menomince River drainage i.

drainage area of................ 50

now of.................................. 44
149 INDEX.

Page. 

Iron River (Lake Superior drainage), power

development on ................ 130

Iron wood, fall at............................ 135

Irving, fall at............................... Ill

water power at......................... 114

Island Lake, elevation of................... 01

fall at................................... 107

J. 

Jewc tt, water power at..................... 12S

Jim Falls, fall at............................ 99

power development at................ 101-102

figure showing .................... 102

Jordan, power development at............. 117

Jordan River, fall at month of ............. 130

J limp River, dams on....................... 116

drainage area of...................... 103,115

water power on....................... 115-116

Kaukauna. ,s'ec Grand Kaukauna: Little

Kaukauna. 

Keawasogon Lake, elevation of............ 61

Kettle River, drainage area of ........... US. 125

Kettle River rapids, fallat................. 119

water power on ................. 124

Keweenawan rocks, occurrence of. 10.129,134-135 

Kickapoo River, drainage area of.......... 83

power development on................. 83

Kilbourn, fall at ........................... Gf>

power development at ................. 77

Kinnikinnie River, description of ......... 131

fall at mouth of ........................ 119

water power on ........................ 131

Knowlton bridge, fall at................... 66

Koepenick, precipitation at................ 45

L. 

La Crosse. fall at........................... S5

temperature at......................... 15

Ladysmith, fall at........................ 106-107

flow near............................. 108-112

gaging station near................... 93,107

Lake Superior drainage, description of .... 132

drainage to............................. 12

rainfall of .............................. 133

topography of .......................... 132

water powers of...................... 132-137

Lake Vieux Desert, dam at................ 64

fall at .................................. 67

location of ............................ 63

reservoir site at ........................ t>~>

Lakes, occurrence of............... 12-13.117-118

Laurentian roeks, occurrence of........... 10

Lawrence, power development at.......... 21

Lemon weir River, drainage area of........ G3. S3

power development on................. S3

Liridore dam, fall at........................ 07

Little Cedar River, drainage area of ....... 51

Little Chief Lake, fall at................... 99

reservoir site at ........................ 91-92

Little Chief River, dam on................. 105

Little Kau Pleine River, drainage area of.. 63 

Little Falls, fall at......................... 107

water power at......................... 106

Little Kaukauna, fall at................... 22.33

power development at................. 40

figure showing..................... 41

legal troubles of.................... 33,40

Little Puckanance, fall at.................. 130

Little Quinnesec Falls, fall at.............. 43

flow at.................................. 44-15

power development at.................

Little rapids, dam site at..................

Little River, power development on .......

Little Wolf River, power development on . 

Littleehute, dam at, view of ...............

52 

84 

21 

62 

88 

fall at ............................... 22.33,38

power development at................. 3S

Littlewolf, power development at ......... C2

Loams, occurrence and character of....... 13

Logging, cessation uf....................... 12

Long Lake, elevation of.................... 64

Lower Fox River. ,Sr? Fox River, Lower. 

Lower Magnewian limestone, occurrence of. 11, 

21,43,54,57.123.128 

Lowes Creek, dam on ...................... 116

Loweth & Wolf, gaging by ................. 120

Lucas, dam at.............................. 117

Lumbering industry, extent of............. 14

M.

McKinzic Creek, fall at month of.......... 130

Manchester, powerdevelopment at........ 21

Manitouish River, fall on .................. 107

logging damsou........................ 113

reservoir site on........................ 91-92

Mann, L. M., flow measurements by........ 22

Manowa, power development at............ 62

Mauser's, dam site at....................... S4

Marblehead, power development at........ 21

Marinette rapids, power development at... 54-55 

Maringo River, ^'cc Maringouin River. 

Maringouin River, description of .......... 136

water power on....................... 136-187

Markesan, power development at.......... 21

Marquette, temperature at................. 15

Alecan River, character of.................. 20

water powers on........................ 21

Medicine Lake, elevation of................ 64

Melrose, now at ............................ 86

Menasha, fall at............................ 22

power development at.................. 34-35

precipitation at......................... 46

Menomonie dam (Red Cedar River), fall at. 114 

w ater power at....................... 114-115

Menoininee River, character of............ 51

dams on ..... .......................... 56

drainage area of..................... 42,50-51

fallof.... ............................. 42

origin of................................ 42

power development on................. 51-55

precipitation on ........................ 44-46

profile of................................ 42-43

rocks on................................ 43-44

run-off of............................... 44-50

tributaries of........................... 55-56

Merrill,fallat.......................... ... 67

flow at ................................. 73-76

power development at................. 80

Mlchigamme River, drainage area of .... 42,51

source and character of................ 42

Middle River, description of............... 137

Milwaukee, rainfall at..................... 19

rainfall at, chart showing.............. 18

Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie 

Railway, access to water pow ers 

by ................. 51,105,115,126,137
INDEX. 148

Page 

otter Slide rapids, water power at......... 124

Oxford, power development at ............ 21

Page. 

Minnesung Lake, water power at.......... 134

Montello, power development at.......... 20

Montello River, character of............... 20

water powers on....................... 20-21

Montreal River, water power on........... 135 Paint Creek, reservoir site on.............. 91-92

Moose Lake, fall at......................... 100 Paint Creek rapids, water power at........ 10]

reservoir site at........................ 91-92 paint River, drainage area of .............. 50

Moo^e River, fall at mouth of.............. 119 Pakwawang Lake, fall at .................. ICO

Moraines, location ami character of....... 11,21 reservoir site at ........................ 91-92

Mosinee, fall at............................ 66 Paleozoic rocks, occurrence and character

power site at............................ 79 of............................... 10-11

Mount Morris,'power development at...... 62 Pardeeville, water power at................ 20

Mud Lake ( Fox Riven, origin of.......... 19 Park Falls full at .......................... 107

Mud Lake I Wisconsin River), elevation of 64 power development at ................. 10(i

Mud Lake (Yellow River), dam at......... 126 partridge Crop Lake, full at................ 100

fall at................................... 120 Peat, occurrence of.... .................... 14

Peet, E. L., on Clam River................. 129

Pelican Lake, rtam proposed at............ 05

Namekapron River, description of........ 129-130 ' elevation of ............................ 64

drainage area of..................... US, 125 fall at .................................. 100

drainage to............................. 104 Pelican River, dam sites on................ 83-84

fall at month of............... ........ 119 drainage area of........................ i>3, *3

Nebageinain Lake, water power at....... 134-135 lakes on .............................. r>4

Ncbagemain River, rapid-, at mouth of.... 134 I'emebonwon River, drainage area of...... ol

Necedah, fall at............................ <i6 ' Pemena dam and rapids, fall at............ 43

How at.................................. OS-73 power site and dam at................. 53

Neenah. location of ........................ 34 Peiiokee Iron Rang..', location and characpower development at ................. 34 ter of........................... 132

Neenah and Menasha Water Power Cum- I Peshtigo River, rharacterof................ 56

pans', organization of .......... 33 ' powerske^ and dams on ............... 50-57

Neenah Creek, power development on..... 21 precipitation on........................ 45

Neillsville, flow at.......................... 87-89 profile of................................ 57

water power at......................... 90 Phlox, power development at.............. 62

Nekoosa, fall at ............................ 66 Pike River, dams on........................ 5<>

power development at................. 77 ' drainage area of........................ 5]

Nemadji River, character of............... 134 Pilla, power development at............... 62

New Greenwood dam, fall at............... 86 Pine Creek (Chippewa River dranagei,

New London, precipitation at.............. 45 power developments on........ 117

New Richmond, water powerat............ 126 Pine Creek (Fox River drainage), power deNiagara limestone, occurrence of .......... 21 velopmenton..............-, «--- 31

Nigger Mand, fall at....................... 07 Pine Creek rapids, fall at................... SI

North Fork of Flambeau River, reservoir water power at......................... 81

site on........................ 91-92 Pine River, power development at.......... 21

Northern Pacific Railroad, access to water Pine River, character of ................... 55

powers by .................... 126,137 | dams on ................................ 56

Northport, flow at.......................... 01 | drainage area of........................ 51,55

Norway. Mich., fall at...................... 43 mouth of, fall at........................ 67

Nose Peak rapids, fall at................... 53 source of............................ 43-44

water powers on........................ 55

Pine River rapids, water power at......... 51

Oconto, precipitation at.................... 45 Planting Uround Lake, elevation of........ 04

Ocoiito Falls, power development at....... 58 Plover River (Chippewa River drainage),

Oconto River, character of................. 57 | power development on......... 117

precipitation on ................... .... 45-46 plover River (Wisconsin River drainage),

profile, of ............................... ,»7 drainage area of................ 63

waterpowerson........................ 57-tW P,,kcgama Luke, dam at................... 105

O'Keef & Orbison on Menomiuee River ... 42 p lar Ri dowri til , n of................ i»6

Omaha bndge, fal at ...................... 14 Port Edward9i fall at ....................... (io

water power at......................... 114 , . O'Xeals Creek, power developments on.... 117 power development at ................. 

O'Neill Creek, mouth of, fall at ............ 80 1'oHuge, fall at ............................. 43

Osceola,fall at.............................. 119 precipitation at......................... 4U

Osceola Creek, water power on............. 181 P"tat" River- water P°wer °»-------------- 1»7

Otter Creek, power development on........ 117 Potsdam sandstone, occurrence of ......... 11

Otter rapids, fall at......................... 67 mil from ........... .......... 13

power development at.........;........ S2 1'oysippe, power development at........... 21

i eservoir site at......................... 65 | Prairie rapids, fall at....................... 83
144 INDEX.

Page, 

Prairie River, drainage area of............. 63,84

power development on................. S4

Precipitation, discussion of .......... 15,45-46,76

map showing........................... 16

variations in, at Milwaukee, chart showing ............................. Ib

Prcscott, fall at............................. 119

Pride, C. B., survey by ..................... 54

Princeton, power development at.......... 21

Pucka way, Lake, origin of................. ly

Pulcifer dam, water power at.............. 5s

Quinnesec Falls. Sec Big Quinnesec: Little 

Quinnesec.

R. 

Railroads, access to water powers by....... 13

42,51. 76,90, »2.105,115,126,12S, 135-187 

Rainbow rapids, water power at........... S2

Rainfall, /v? Precipitation.

Rapide Croche dam, fall at................. 22,33

now of Fox River at ................... 22-32

gaging station at....................... 22

power development at ................. 40

legal complications of.............. 33,40

Rattlesnake Creek, power development on. 62 

Red Cedar River, dams on ................. 115

drainage area of.................. 100,103.113

fall of ................................ 113-114

location of.............................. 91

power development on............... 114-115

profile of ............................. 113-114

Red River, power development on......... 62

Reeds Landing, fall at ..................... 99

Reservoirs, capacity of proposed sites for.. - 13 

Rest Lake, fall at........................... 107

Rhinclander. dam at....................... 65

dam at, [*H yt.......................... 67

. power development at................. S2

Rib River, drainage area of................ 63, b3

fall at mouth of ........................

power development on.................

Rice, reservoir cite at ......................

Rice Lake,fall at........................... 126

logging dam at......................... 126

Ripon. power development at.............. 21

River Falls, water p* iwers at............... 13]

Rock Creek, power development on ....... 117

Rocks, pre-Cambrian, occurrence of....... 10.

54,56,59,67,77.91.130 

Ross Eddy rapids, water power at.......... 90

Rothchilds, fall at.......................... 79

water power at......................... 79

Round Lake, reservoir site at.............. 91-92

Rural, power development at.............. 62

Rush City, fall at........................... 119

S. 

St. Croix County, soils in................... 13

St. Croix Falls, fall at...................... 119

St. Croix Lake, fall to...................... 11U

flow at................................ 120-123

St. Croix rapids, water p*) wt'r at........... 124

St. Croix River, character of ............. 123-124

drainage area of................... 12,117-lls

fall of .................................. 123

profile of ............................. US-] 19

Page.

St. Croix River, reservoir sites on .......... 13

rocks on................................ ll»

run-off of............................. 119-125

temperature on, and velocity of, relations of......................... 15

topography on........................ 117-118

tributaries of......................... 125-131

water powers on.................... 9.123-124

St. Uermain Lakes, dam sites at ........... 64, S3

ht. Louis River, character of ............... 133

water power of....................... 133-134

development of, ngure showing.... 133

St. Paul, Minn., rainfall at................. 19

temperature at......................... 15

St. Peter sandstone, occurrence of ......... 11

Sand Creek, power development at........ 117

Sand Portage rapids, water power at...... 53-54

Sandy soilq and loams, occurrence and character of......................... 13

SaukCity, fall at........................... 66

Saxeville. power development at.......... 21

Scandinavia, power development at....... 62

Schappies rapids, fall at.................... 43

water power at......................... 54

Schofleld, dam site at...................... s4

Shantytown, dam at .......................

Sha wano. precipitation at.................. 45

power development at ................. 59

Shawtown, fall at.......................... 99

Sow at.................................. U3

Sherman. power development at........... 6ti

Silver Creek, power development on....... 21

Snake River, drainage area of............ 11\ 125

Suaptail rapids, fall at...................... 99

water power at......................... 104

Soils, character of .......................... 1M-14

South Centralia dam. fall at ............... 66

Spooiier. fall at............................. 126

Spring Brook, mouth of. fall at ............ 130

Spring Creek, power development at ...... 62

Squaw Lake, reservoir site at.............. 91-92

Squirrel Lake, elevation of ................ 64

reservoir site at ........................ 65

Stevens Point, fall at....................... 66

power development at ................. 7M

Stiles,fall at................................ 57

power development at................. 57-5S

Stinnett. fall at............................. 130

Stone Lake, elevation of ................... 64

Stunt/ Broi )k, fall at ni( tuth of ............. 130

Sturgeon Falls, fall at...................... 43

water power at......................... 53

Sturgeon River, drainage area of .......... 51

fallat .................................. 48

Sugarcamp Lakes, reservoir site at......... 64-65

Sunrise River, drainage area of ............ 118

fall at mouth of........................ 119

Suringg, fall at............................. 57

Swamp soils, occurrence and character of.. 14

Swamps, occurrence of..................... 12-13

Sweet, E. T., (m Wisconsin timber.......... 14

T.

Temperature, range of..................... 15

Thomas, Howard, on Bois Brule River..... 135

Thornapple River, dam on................. 105

drainage area of........................ 100
INDEX. 145

Pat.-

Three Rolls, dam site at. .............. ....

Tiffany Creek, power development on ......

Timber, occurrence and character o* ......

Tomahawk dam, fall at ....................

water power at............. ............ M,

Tomahawk Lake, dam nt .................. 65,

Page. 

43 

68

54

136

elevation of .......................... 64

Tomahawk River, drainage area of. ....... 63, h3

lakes on ................................ 64

power devel(*pment on..^.......... .... >*3

Topography, character of .................. 12

T< irch River, dam on ....................... 105

Totogatic River. description of .......... 130-131

fall at month of ........................ 130

prnflleof..... ......................... 1»1

Trade River, fall at month of .............. 119

Trapp Rapids, water pt *wer at .............. SO

Trenton limestone, occurrence of. 11,21,43,54,57 

Trout River, dam on ....................... 113

Turtle River, fall at month of.............. 107

reservoir site on ........................ 91-92

Twin Falls, fall at.......................... 43

water power at ......................... 51

Twin Island Rapids, i\ ater power at ....... .54

Twin Lakes, reservoir site at. .............. 64-65

TylersFork, water power on............. 136-137

T'nderhill. fall at........................... 57

t'nited States Government, dams of ....... 34-35,

3S,40,9]-92 

Upper Fox River. ,*ve Fox River, Cpp^r.

White rapids, fall at........................

location of..............................

water power at.........................

White River ^Fox River drainage), description of..........................

power development un................. 136

White River (Lake Superior drainage:,

character of .................... 20

Willow River, drainage area of ...... 11H, 125,128

power development on................. 12S

Winnebago Lake, character of ............. 21

location of ............................. 19

origin of................................ 19-21

Winnebago rapids, fall nt.................. 33

Winneconne.flowat........................ 60

Veazie, water power at. 130

Wisconsin, State of, power development by. 33 

Wisconsin and Michigan Railroad, access

to railroads by.................. 51

Wisconsin Central Railway, access to water

powers by ...................... 42,

90,92,105,115,126,12K, 13(1-137 

Wisconsin-Fox divide, character of........ 63-64

Wisconsin River, character < if.............. 63

dams on.............................L.. 04-65

drainage area of........................ 12,63

levees on............................... 63-64

proHle of ............... ............... 65-67

rainfall o'i.............................. 67

rapids on, view of...................... SO

reservoir sites on ....................... 13,65

rocks on................................ 67

run-ofT of ............................... 67-76

source of ............................... 43-44

tributaries of........................... S2-S5

water poi\ ers on........................ 70-S5

abena, fall at............................. 57

arren, G. K., on Fox River .............. 19-20

kVater powers, availability of.............. 9

capacity of.............................. 9

development of ........................ 9

infiirmation on, sources of ............. 9-10

permanence of......................... 9

Waumander, power development at ...... 21

WaumanderCreek, powerdevelopmenton. 21 

Waupaca, power development at........... 62

precipitation at ........................ 45-16

Waupaca River, power development on.... 6J

Wausan, fall at............................. G6

power development at ................. 79-KJ

Wautoma, power development at.......... 21

precipitation at ........................ 46

Wedges Creek, fall at mouth of............ MB

Went Branch of Chippewa River, dams on. 105 

drainage area of.................. 100. 1U3,104

pronle of................................ 100

reservoir sites on ....................... 91-92

water power on ........................ 104

Westboro, dam at .......................... 116

Westfield, power development at .......... 21

Weyauwega, precipitation at............... 45-46

power development at ................. 62

Whirlpool rapids, fall at ................... 67

water power at......................... 81

access to....................

value of....................

Wittenberg, power development at

Wolf River, character of.................... 59

now of.................................. 59

precipitation on................... .... 45-46

profile of ............................... 59

run-off of............................... 60-61

tributaries of........................... 02

water powers on........................ 62

Wood River, drainage area of............ US, 125

Yellow Lake, dam at. fall at...............

Yellow Pine rapids, water power at........

Yellow River (Chippewa River drainage),

drainage area of.......... 100,]0».

fall at mouth of ....................... 99,

Yellow River (St. Croix River drainage i. 

character of....................

drainage area of...................... UK,

fall at mouth of ........................

logging dams on 

profile of ........

water power on ........................

Yellow River t \ViscoiiMn River drainage), 

drainage area of................

fall at mouth of........................

water power on.........................

126

324

116

116

125 

125 

119 

126 

120 

1J5

99

116

IHR 1R6 06- -10