Kath 2 dam
Kath 2
Kath 2, also known as Ted Kath F Area, is a private dam located in Minnesota, specifically in Becker County near Manitoba Junction. Built in 1965 by the NRCS, this Earth-type structure stands at a height of 14 feet and spans a length of 1200 feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of 'Other', with a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 27 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets state standards for inspection, enforcement, and permitting.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of October 2017, Kath 2 poses a very high risk due to its location and the potential consequences of failure. The dam overlooks the Buffalo River-TR, with a maximum discharge capacity of 160 cubic feet per second. While the structure has not been modified in recent years, it is essential to have emergency action plans in place to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of downstream communities. With its controlled spillway and buttress core design, Kath 2 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kath 2 offers a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and risk management. Its location, design, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining critical water infrastructure. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the resilience and safety of structures like Kath 2 will become even more critical in safeguarding communities and ecosystems.
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 Kath 2 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo River Near Hawley | 45 cfs | → |
| Wild Rice River At Twin Valley | 229 cfs | → |
| South Branch Buffalo River At Sabin | 69 cfs | → |
| Buffalo River Near Dilworth | 121 cfs | → |
| Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth | 338 cfs | → |
| Red River Of The North At Fargo | 873 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Kath 2.
Boat launches
- West Lake Drive Detroit Lakes
- West Lake Drive 1360, Detroit Lakes
- Heartland Trail Detroit Lakes
- Sugar Maple Lane 29299, Becker County
- County Highway 22 20820, Lake Eunice
- Becker County
Campgrounds
- American Legion Park - Detroit Lakes
- Sherin Memorial City Campground
- Sherin Memorial Park/Campground
- Buffalo River State Park
- Maplewood State Park
- Maplewood State Park Campground
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
Track Kath 2 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 Kath 2
Where does the data for Kath 2 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 Low 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 Kath 2.