Rice Lake Outlet Reservoir Report
Nearby: Morehouse Park Donaldson Pond
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Rice Lake Outlet, located in Owatonna, Minnesota, is a gravity dam built in 1941 with a height of 6 feet and a length of 12 feet.
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Summary
The dam serves as a crucial structure for water resource management, with a storage capacity of 4,160 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6.7 square miles. The primary purpose of the dam is listed as "Other," indicating its importance in various water management activities in the region.
Managed by the local government, Rice Lake Outlet is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is maintained in satisfactory condition, as assessed during the last inspection in September 2012. With a maximum discharge of 320 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a significant role in flood control and water supply management for the surrounding area.
The dam's location on the Zumbro River South Branch Middle Fork underscores its importance in regulating water flow and maintaining water quality in the region. With its satisfactory condition and capacity for effective water management, Rice Lake Outlet stands as a vital asset for both environmental conservation and climate resilience efforts in Dodge County, Minnesota.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
12 |
Dam Height |
6 |
River Or Stream |
ZUMBRO RIV S BR MIDDLE FK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
604 |
Drainage Area |
6.7 |
Nid Storage |
4160 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Straight River Near Faribault
|
83cfs |
South Fork Zumbro River At Rochester
|
85cfs |
Cedar River Near Austin
|
110cfs |
Cannon River At Welch
|
384cfs |
Vermillion River Near Empire
|
40cfs |
Mississippi River At Red Wing
|
12400cfs |
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.
Rice Lake Outlet