Watopa Township No. 1, located in Wabasha County, Minnesota, is a local government-owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Completed in 1976, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Snake Creek, a tributary of the Mississippi River. With a structural height of 34 feet and a hydraulic height of 17 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

The dam has a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1500 cubic feet per second. It features an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 150 feet, and its hazard potential is classified as significant with a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2015. The dam has been inspected regularly, with the last inspection conducted in May 2019, and it has an inspection frequency of four years to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction. Despite being classified as having a moderate risk level, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are currently unspecified, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard this critical infrastructure.

Overall, Watopa Township No. 1 is a vital component of the water resource management infrastructure in Wabasha County, serving as a key flood risk reduction measure along the Snake Creek. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and water levels, the proper maintenance and monitoring of this dam are essential to ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting the surrounding area from potential flood events. With its significant storage capacity and regulated status, this dam underscores the importance of proactive risk management and emergency preparedness in safeguarding communities and resources from the impacts of extreme weather events.