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Gauge Information

Gauge Description:

Almost always runnable due to releases from dam in Niagara, WI.

The 'maximum' is only set as an indicator of levels 'above the norm'. The river is runnable much higher, but Piers Gorge becomes filled with swirls and boils which will intimidate many boaters.

Similarly, many boaters have considered 1000-1200 cfs to be 'minimum', as that is usually the lowest level release. However, in dry summers flow can drop below those levels, and the gorge is certainly still runnable and can provide some play.

According to Matt Jensen, ...around 850cfs 3rd Pier (Misicot) is scrappy. 2nd Pier (the Sisters) is awesome. 1st Sister provides fast surfs (aka spins/blunts/etc.). The 2nd Sister hole was money. Not as flushy as it gets at higher levels and still has enough depth to loop in without flushing out if you stay on the River Left side. You can re-enter the 1st Sister from River Left and the 2nd Sister from both sides. You can drop in from River Left and loop the entry at 2nd sister. 1st Pier (Terminal Surfer) is paddle breaking low.

 

 

Gauge/flow analysis (based on 15 years of data)
Drainage area at gauge 2,470 sq.mi.
Minimum mean daily flow during gauge period 583 cfs
90% of time flow exceeds 1150 cfs
10% of time flow exceeds 3390 cfs
Maximum mean daily flow during gauge period 18,400 cfs
10/90 ratio ('flashy-ness')
(under 3 is fairly steady, over 10 is quite 'flashy')
2.95

Offseason ('Ice') gauge correlations:
5.00 = 1090cfs
5.68 = 1500cfs
6.38 = 2000cfs
6.62 = 2200cfs

Additional Gauge Info:
Dam operators have always been very friendly when I have called. So you can use the following # to get up to the minute info, and info on the release schedule for the day: 715-251-8230

Gauge Information

Name Range Difficulty Updated Level
MENOMINEE RIVER AT NIAGARA, WI
usgs-04065106 1000 - 2400 cfs II-IV 02h11m 1130 cfs (rc= 0.1 )

RangeWater LevelDifficultyComment
0 - 800 cfs extremely Low-somewhat Low I-II Unusually low flow; probably minimal play.
800 -1000 cfs somewhat Low-barely Low II(III) Low, but playable.
1000 -2400 cfs barely runnable-high runnable II-IV Normal boatable range.
2400 -3000 cfs somewhat High-somewhat High II-IV Above normal range; big run, big Play
3000 -99999 cfs somewhat High-extremely High II-IV Unusually high; Huge.

Report - Reports of Menominee A) Piers Gorge: Niagara to Hwy.8 (0.5-2.9 miles) and related gauges

Reports give the public a chance to report on river conditions throughout the country as well as log the history of a river.

Reports

When River/Gauge Subject Level Reporter
menominee [wi] Passing Volkswagon low bob heckler
Menominee [WI] Nate on Third Pier low Nate Alwine
Menominee [WI] Piers Gorge Fun 2500 Nate Alwine
4y149d04h10m Menominee [WI] Pop up in Chicken Ender 1100 Ron Mastalski
4y171d04h10m Menominee [wi] Striding Misicot very low bob heckler
6y333d04h10m Menominee [WI] 4th Pier - Nate Alwine
6y334d04h10m Menominee [WI] WI/MI, Menominee, Don on 3rd pier, small 1700 Nate Alwine
7y172d04h10m Menominee [WI] WI/MI, Menominee River, Surfing at Sand Portage 1800cfs Mark Mastalski
7y187d04h10m Menominee [WI] Playing in Chicken Ender 1500 Mark Mastalski
8y229d20h10m Menominee [WI] C2 at Chicken Ender n/a Thomas O'Keefe
> 10 years Menominee [WI] WI/MI, Menominee, Playing in Piers Gorge n/a Thomas O'Keefe
> 10 years Menominee [WI] WI/MI, Menominee, Pirouette in Piers Gorge n/a Thomas O'Keefe