Highland Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Highland Creek is a federally owned water resource located in Cass County, Minnesota.


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Summary

Built in 1970 by the USDA FS, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 11 feet and spans 320 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 232 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Highland Creek is listed as "Other," with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated."

Situated in Wilkinson, Minnesota, Highland Creek serves as a vital structure for water management within the St. Paul District. With a drainage area of 0.6 square miles and a maximum discharge of 20 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage in the region. Despite its age, Highland Creek has not been subject to recent inspections, with the last recorded assessment dating back to October 1978.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Highland Creek presents an intriguing case study of a federally owned dam in a rural setting. Its significance lies in its role as a key water management structure in the region, highlighting the importance of monitoring and maintaining such infrastructure for sustainable water resource management. As discussions around climate change and water scarcity continue to gain prominence, the data on Highland Creek offers valuable insights into the complexities of managing water resources in a changing environment.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

HIGHLAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

232

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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. 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

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, 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.