Sunny Hill-Lower Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sunny Hill-Upper Boreen Lower
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sunny Hill-Lower is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Norman County, Minnesota.
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Summary
Constructed in 1974 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet. With its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, Sunny Hill-Lower plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events along the Wild Rice River.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in August 2016. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the structure has proven effective in mitigating flood risks in the region. With a history of providing flood protection for over four decades, Sunny Hill-Lower stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
As an essential component of the flood control infrastructure in the area, Sunny Hill-Lower serves as a critical tool in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. With its strategic location and efficient design, this dam exemplifies the collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies in addressing water resource challenges and adapting to a changing climate. The ongoing monitoring and maintenance of Sunny Hill-Lower ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting the region from the threat of flooding, highlighting the importance of proactive management practices in water resource and climate resilience efforts.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
WILD RICE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
147 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
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-Lower