Sunny Hill-Upper Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sunny Hill-Lower Boreen Lower
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sunny Hill-Upper is a flood risk reduction dam located in Norman County, Minnesota, along the Wild Rice River.
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Summary
Built in 1974 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 185 acre-feet. Managed by the local government and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this structure plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of May 2009. With a regular inspection frequency of every 8 years, Sunny Hill-Upper is monitored to ensure its structural integrity and functionality in mitigating flood risks. The dam features buttress core types and is designed by the NRCS, showcasing a collaborative effort in water resource management for the benefit of the community.
Serving as a crucial component in the region's water resource infrastructure, Sunny Hill-Upper stands as a testament to proactive flood risk management. With its strategic location and design, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water management practices in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
WILD RICE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
185 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Sunny Hill-Upper