Sylvan Dike No. 2 dam
Sylvan Dike No. 2
Sylvan Dike No. 2, located in Little Falls, Minnesota, is a key structure in the Crow Wing River that serves a dual purpose of hydroelectric power generation and recreation. Built in 1913, this earth dam stands at 8 feet in height and spans 830 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 9,216 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3,575 square miles. Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the dam has a low hazard potential and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam, with its uncontrolled spillway and moderate risk assessment rating, plays a crucial role in water resource management in Morrison County. Its strategic location and design contribute to the overall hydrological balance of the region, supporting both environmental conservation and energy production. With a history of serving the community for over a century, Sylvan Dike No. 2 remains a testament to the enduring importance of sustainable water infrastructure in the face of changing climatic conditions and increasing demand for renewable energy sources.
As a symbol of resilience and innovation, Sylvan Dike No. 2 serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water resources and climate considerations. With its blend of historical significance and modern functionality, this dam exemplifies the efforts to adapt to evolving environmental challenges while meeting the needs of a growing population. Its presence in the Crow Wing River landscape underscores the ongoing efforts to balance water management practices with sustainable development goals for the benefit of present and future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.
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 Sylvan Dike No. 2 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Crow Wing River Near Pillager | 1,720 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Brainerd | 2,750 cfs | → |
| Long Prairie River At Long Prairie | 310 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River Near Royalton | 5,500 cfs | → |
| Crow Wing River At Nimrod | 284 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Aitkin | 2,120 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Sylvan Dike No. 2 .
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Sylvan Dike No. 2
Where does the data for Sylvan Dike No. 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 below 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.
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.