Chippewa River Fish Barrier dam
Chippewa River Fish Barrier
The Chippewa River Fish Barrier is a critical structure located in Hoffman, Minnesota, designed by the USDA NRCS to prevent fish migration and protect the local fish and wildlife pond. Completed in 1978, this earth dam stands 17 feet tall and spans 200 feet across the Chippewa River, with a storage capacity of 189 acre-feet. Funded, designed, and constructed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this barrier serves as a crucial element in managing the local ecosystem and recreational activities.
Situated in Douglas County, Minnesota, the Chippewa River Fish Barrier plays a vital role in regulating water flow and promoting biodiversity in the region. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the barrier is subject to moderate risk, with a risk assessment rating of 3. Regular inspections by the NRCS ensure that the structure is maintained and functioning effectively to fulfill its primary purpose of protecting the fish and wildlife pond while offering recreational opportunities for the community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Chippewa River Fish Barrier represents a harmonious blend of conservation efforts and recreational amenities. As a key component in the management of the Chippewa River ecosystem, this structure exemplifies the importance of sustainable practices in maintaining a balanced environment for both wildlife and human activities. With its strategic location and design, the barrier stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of state and federal agencies in safeguarding natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
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 Chippewa River Fish Barrier -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Otter Tail River Bl Orwell D Nr Fergus Falls | 529 cfs | → |
| Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth | 338 cfs | → |
| Long Prairie River At Long Prairie | 163 cfs | → |
| Bois De Sioux River Near White Rock | 91 cfs | → |
| Bois De Sioux River Near Doran | 143 cfs | → |
| Red River Of The North At Wahpeton | 722 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Chippewa River Fish Barrier.
Boat launches
- Twin Lakes Road Southwest Douglas County
- Viking Trail 16246, Douglas County
- Douglas County
- Viking Trail Douglas County
- Brophy Park Road Northwest 1599, Douglas County
- Latoka Beach Road Southwest 3078, Douglas County
Track Chippewa River Fish Barrier 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 Chippewa River Fish Barrier
Where does the data for Chippewa River Fish Barrier 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 Chippewa River Fish Barrier.