SNOFLO

       

CHIPPEWA DIVERSION DAM - WATSON SAG WEIR

RESERVOIR LEVELS
March 24, 2025


54°F

Today

32°F

Tonight

6mph

Windspeed

80%

Humidity

The Chippewa Diversion Dam and Watson Sag Weir, located in Montevideo, Minnesota, are vital flood risk reduction structures managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Completed in 1938, the concrete dam stands at 23 feet tall and spans 1900 feet, with a capacity of 150 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 6200 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as low hazard dams, a risk assessment conducted in 2009 highlighted concerns for overtopping and intermittent scour downstream of the Chippewa structure.

To mitigate potential risks, the USACE continuously monitors the dam's condition and implements risk management measures to ensure public safety. Regular maintenance and repairs are conducted to uphold the dam's functionality, with a focus on activities that will have the greatest impact on reducing flood risks. Despite the moderate-risk designation, the potential consequences of a breach are minimal, with only minor impacts on downstream water levels during large floods. The Chippewa Diversion Dam and Watson Sag Weir play a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from flooding, showcasing the importance of effective water resource management in addressing climate-related challenges.

Year_Completed 1938
Dam_Height 23
River_Or_Stream CHIPPEWA RIVER
Dam_Length 1900
Primary_Dam_Type Concrete
Surface_Area 150
Hydraulic_Height 16
Drainage_Area 2050
Nid_Storage 150
Structural_Height 23
Hazard_Potential Low
Nid_Height 23
       

Weather Forecast

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