Christianson Farm Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Christianson Farm Pond, located in Canby, Minnesota, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1974 for flood risk reduction along the Lac Qui Parle River.


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Summary

The dam stands at 21.6 feet high with a length of 340 feet, providing a storage capacity of 32.6 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 0.13 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 reported it to be in poor condition, signaling the need for maintenance and repairs to ensure its effectiveness in managing flood risks.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 51 cubic feet per second. While the dam's primary purpose remains flood risk reduction, its surface area of 5 acres and normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet also support agricultural and environmental benefits for the surrounding area. With the dam's current risk assessment categorized as moderate, ongoing monitoring and management measures will be essential to maintain the safety and functionality of Christianson Farm Pond for the community and ecosystem it serves.

As a significant structure in the Omaha District's water resource management, Christianson Farm Pond plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and supporting sustainable water use in Lincoln County, Minnesota. With its historical significance and continued impact on local water resources, efforts to improve the dam's condition and risk management measures will be essential in ensuring its long-term effectiveness and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

21.6

River Or Stream

LAC QUI PARLE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

0.13

Nid Storage

32.6

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.