Talcot Lake Wma-Frerichs Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Talcot Lake Wma-Frerichs is a state-regulated water management area located in Cottonwood, Minnesota, near the city of Windom.


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Summary

This site is situated along the Des Moines River and serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water storage. The dam at Talcot Lake Wma-Frerichs was completed in 1970 and has a height of 7 feet, with a structural height of 8 feet and a length of 300 feet.

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 873 acres, with a drainage area of 2.4 square miles. The spillway at Talcot Lake Wma-Frerichs is of the controlled type, and the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment. Despite its low hazard potential, the risk assessment for this site is considered to be very high, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and management to ensure its safety and functionality.

Overall, Talcot Lake Wma-Frerichs plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing valuable benefits such as flood control and water storage. As climate change continues to impact water resources, sites like Talcot Lake Wma-Frerichs will be essential for mitigating the effects of extreme weather events and ensuring the sustainable use of water for both human and environmental needs.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

DES MOINES RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

873

Drainage Area

2.4

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.