Swan Lake dam
Swan Lake
Swan Lake, located in Nicollet, Minnesota, is a state-regulated water resource managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Water Resources division. Built in 1977, this dam serves as a vital component of the local watershed system, with a primary purpose listed as "Other". The dam's design features a buttress core type and stands at a height of 8 feet, with a hydraulic height of 6.6 feet.
With a storage capacity of 56,076 acre-feet and a surface area of 9,346 acres, Swan Lake plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment make it a reliable infrastructure for water supply and flood control. The last inspection conducted in April 2014 deemed the structure to be in good standing, with inspection frequency set at every 8 years.
Water and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Swan Lake as a key element in sustainable water management in Minnesota. Its presence on Nicollet Creek and its role in the local watershed system highlight the importance of well-maintained infrastructure in addressing water resource challenges. The dam's capacity, design, and regulatory oversight by the state showcase a commitment to maintaining the integrity of this essential water resource for years to come.
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 Swan Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Little Cottonwood River Near Courtland | 103 cfs | → |
| Cottonwood River Near New Ulm | 495 cfs | → |
| Minnesota River At New Ulm | 2,730 cfs | → |
| Minnesota River At Mankato | 11,300 cfs | → |
| Blue Earth River Near Rapidan | 3,920 cfs | → |
| Le Sueur River Near Rapidan | 3,650 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Swan Lake.
Boat launches
- Minnesota River Boat Landing
- New Ulm
- Minnecon Drive New Ulm
- East Robinson Street 598, Lake Crystal
- T-750 Blue Earth County
- Cr 21 61400, Nicollet County
Campgrounds
- Minneopa State Park
- Flandrau State Park
- Flandrau State Park- Non-Electric Campground
- Flandrau State Park- Rustic Campground
- Land Of Memories City Park
- Rapidan Dam County Park
More reservoirs
Track Swan Lake 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 Swan Lake
Where does the data for Swan Lake 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 Swan Lake.