Hunter-Sprenger Pooling Agreement Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

The Hunter-Sprenger Pooling Agreement is a privately owned dam located in Elba, Minnesota, along the Whitewater River.


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Summary

Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at 26 feet high and spans 325 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 16.9 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring state permitting, inspection, and enforcement are in place to manage its operations effectively.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in 2017. The dam poses a moderate risk, prompting the need for risk management measures to mitigate potential issues. With a designated emergency action plan (EAP) yet to be prepared, there is room for improvement in ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding area in the event of a dam failure. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in monitoring the ongoing maintenance and risk assessment efforts for this essential piece of infrastructure.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

325

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

WHITEWATER RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

16.9

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.