Warren Lake dam
Warren Lake
Warren Lake, located in Cottonwood County, Minnesota, is a state-regulated reservoir managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Built in 1939, this gravity dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans 44 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1064 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 665 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 140 acres and serves as a crucial water resource for the local community, with a maximum discharge capacity of 535 cubic feet per second.
Despite its age, Warren Lake's dam is assessed to be in fair condition with a low hazard potential, making it a relatively safe and stable structure. The reservoir is primarily used for purposes other than flood control or hydroelectric power generation, and its controlled spillway ensures proper water management during periods of high flow. The risk assessment for Warren Lake indicates a very high risk level, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
Warren Lake's association with the Division Creek and its strategic location in Windom, Minnesota, make it a valuable asset for both water supply and ecological preservation. With its historical significance and continued importance in water management, Warren Lake stands as a testament to the state's commitment to sustainable water resource practices. As climate change impacts become more pronounced, the reservoir's role in water storage and regulation will only become more critical, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard this vital resource for future generations.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Warren Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines River At Jackson | 522 cfs | → |
| Cottonwood River Near New Ulm | 495 cfs | → |
| Redwood River Near Redwood Falls | 194 cfs | → |
| Minnesota River At New Ulm | 2,730 cfs | → |
| Little Cottonwood River Near Courtland | 103 cfs | → |
| Minnesota River At Morton | 2,390 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Warren Lake.
Boat launches
- Mountain Lake Cycle Path Mountain Lake
- 240th Avenue Brown County
- 140th Street 24728, Orleans
- County Road 6 Watonwan County
Track Warren Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Warren Lake
Where does the data for Warren Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Warren Lake.