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