Mashaug Creek Dam No. 3 dam
Mashaug Creek Dam No. 3
Mashaug Creek Dam No. 3, located in Twin Valley, Minnesota, is a vital structure designed by USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks along the Wild Rice River. Completed in 1977, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet with a structural height of 35 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 460 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and functionality for the surrounding community.
With a drainage area of 12 square miles, Mashaug Creek Dam No. 3 plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential risks in the region. Its uncontrolled spillway type and gates indicate a simple yet effective design for flood control purposes. The dam's association with the Wild Rice River and its moderate risk assessment highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring this structure to safeguard both the environment and local residents from potential water-related disasters.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of Mashaug Creek Dam No. 3 in flood risk reduction and water management efforts is essential. Its construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and ongoing regulatory oversight by the MNDNR EWR demonstrate a commitment to sustainable infrastructure practices for the benefit of the community. By staying informed about the dam's condition, inspection dates, and risk management measures, enthusiasts can contribute to the preservation and resilience of water resources in Norman County, Minnesota.
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 Mashaug Creek Dam No. 3 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Rice River At Twin Valley | 177 cfs | → |
| County Ditch 65 Near Maple Bay | 1 cfs | → |
| County Ditch 72 (Burnham Ck) Nr. Maple Bay (Sw3) | 0 cfs | → |
| Judicial Ditch 64 Near Mentor | 43 cfs | → |
| Marsh River Near Shelly | 5 cfs | → |
| Wild Rice River At Hendrum | 248 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Mashaug Creek Dam No. 3.
Track Mashaug Creek Dam No. 3 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 Mashaug Creek Dam No. 3
Where does the data for Mashaug Creek Dam No. 3 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 Mashaug Creek Dam No. 3.