Kominek Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kominek Pond, also known as Ruff Nik Wma, is a state-owned water resource located in Todd, Minnesota.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1971 by USDA NRCS, serves a primary purpose of "Other" and has a low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of August 2017. The pond has a dam height of 10 feet and a length of 740 feet, providing a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet and a surface area of 48 acres.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Kominek Pond is regulated by the MNDNR EWR and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The pond is situated along the Little Elk River South Branch, with a drainage area of 3 square miles and a maximum discharge of 225 cfs. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the pond has been deemed to have a moderate risk level, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards.

With Collin Peterson (D) as the representative for the area, Kominek Pond serves as a vital water resource for the local community, offering recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the sustainable management of ponds like Kominek is crucial to ensure their resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the importance of Kominek Pond in the broader context of water conservation and climate adaptation efforts in Minnesota.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

740

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

LITTLE ELK RIVER SOUTH BR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

48

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

91

Structural Height

10

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.