Snyder Farm Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Snyder Farm Pond, located in Pipestone, Minnesota, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1978 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Rock River-TR.


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Summary

With a dam height of 27 feet and a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential flood hazards in the area. The dam is classified as low hazard potential with a fair condition assessment, last inspected in 2012.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Snyder Farm Pond is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlets, serving as an essential component of the local water resource infrastructure. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating (3) and is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspections, and enforcement to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. The surrounding area benefits from the pond's ability to store excess water during periods of high discharge, contributing to the overall resilience of the watershed.

Collin Peterson (D) represents Snyder Farm Pond within the St. Paul District, highlighting the interconnectedness between water resource management and political representation. As a key feature in the regional flood control system, the pond demonstrates the collaborative efforts between federal agencies like the USDA NRCS and state authorities to address climate-related challenges and protect communities from potential water-related disasters. With a focus on flood risk reduction, Snyder Farm Pond stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

ROCK RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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. 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

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, 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.