Hutchinson, also known as Hutchinson Dam, is a rockfill dam located in McLeod County, Minnesota.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1857, this dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, with a height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 10.7 feet. It is situated on the Crow River South Fork and has a normal storage capacity of 1750 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 4030 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the local government, Hutchinson Dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, the dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of its last assessment in 2012. Despite the potential risks, Hutchinson Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for the community and remains a vital part of the local water resource infrastructure.
As a key feature of the St. Paul District managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hutchinson Dam's historical significance and ongoing maintenance highlight the importance of balancing water resource management with environmental conservation efforts. With its notable design by BARR ENG and unique rockfill construction, Hutchinson Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of engineering ingenuity and natural resource preservation in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource demands.
Year Completed |
1857 |
Dam Length |
90 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
CROW RIVER SOUTH FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
729 |
Hydraulic Height |
10.7 |
Drainage Area |
446 |
Nid Storage |
2800 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
High Island Creek Near Henderson
|
5cfs |
Crow River At Rockford
|
386cfs |
Minnesota River Near Jordan
|
2960cfs |
Minnesota River At Morton
|
1750cfs |
Minnesota River At New Ulm
|
1130cfs |
Cottonwood River Near New Ulm
|
215cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Masonic West River Park
|
||
Masonic/West River City Park
|
||
Piepenburg Co Park
|
||
Piepenburg County Park
|
||
Lake Marion Park Campground
|
||
Lake Marion Co Park
|