Kepner Group Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Welch, Minnesota, the Kepner Group dam was completed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a key component in flood risk reduction along the TR-Cannon River.
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Summary
With a dam height of 30 feet and a structural height of 31 feet, the earth dam spans 285 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 39 acre-feet, making it a crucial structure for managing water flow in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk rating, the Kepner Group dam has not been fully assessed for its condition and lacks regular inspections. With uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the dam presents some challenges in emergency management and lacks a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the safety and resilience of structures like the Kepner Group dam becomes increasingly important for the surrounding community and the environment.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to advocate for proper maintenance and monitoring of dams like Kepner Group to mitigate potential risks and adapt to changing hydrological conditions. By prioritizing regular inspections, updating emergency preparedness plans, and investing in risk management measures, we can safeguard critical infrastructure like the Kepner Group dam for future generations and ensure sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
285 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CANNON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.75 |
Nid Storage |
39 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cannon River At Welch
|
384cfs |
Vermillion River Near Empire
|
40cfs |
Mississippi River At Red Wing
|
12400cfs |
Mississippi River Below L&D #2 At Hastings
|
7340cfs |
Mississippi River At Prescott
|
12900cfs |
Straight River Near Faribault
|
83cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Kepner Group