Phelps Mill Pond dam
Phelps Mill Pond
Phelps Mill Pond in Otter Tail, Minnesota, is a captivating water resource that serves as a recreational hub for water and climate enthusiasts. Completed in 1873, this gravity dam stands at 15 feet tall and stretches 120 feet in length, providing a serene setting for outdoor activities along the Otter Tail River. With a normal storage capacity of 960 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 4900 cubic feet per second, the pond offers a balance of beauty and functionality for visitors to enjoy.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Phelps Mill Pond is a well-maintained structure with a fair condition assessment. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam has a risk assessment of very high (1) due to its age and location. The pond's controlled spillway and associated recreational purposes make it a valuable asset for the community, attracting visitors who appreciate its historical significance and picturesque surroundings. For water enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation, Phelps Mill Pond is a must-visit destination in Minnesota.
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 Phelps Mill Pond -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth | 341 cfs | → |
| Otter Tail River Bl Orwell D Nr Fergus Falls | 525 cfs | → |
| Red River Of The North At Wahpeton | 729 cfs | → |
| Bois De Sioux River Near Doran | 150 cfs | → |
| Buffalo River Near Hawley | 47 cfs | → |
| Antelope Creek At Dwight | 22 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Phelps Mill Pond.
Boat launches
- Maine
- Amor
- North Main Street 364, Underwood
- Lake Shore Drive Battle Lake
- State Highway 78 305, Ottertail
Campgrounds
- Eagle Stone City Campground
- Glendalough State Park Campground
- Glendalough State Park Cart-In Campgrounds
- Glendalough State Park
- Glendalough State Park Canoe Campsite
- Maplewood State Park
Fishing spots
Track Phelps Mill Pond 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 Phelps Mill Pond
Where does the data for Phelps Mill Pond 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 Significant 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 Phelps Mill Pond.