Carlson-Friermuth Detention No. 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Carlson-Friermuth Detention No.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

2, located in Kellogg, Minnesota, along the Zumbro River, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1976 for flood risk reduction. With a height of 23.2 feet and a length of 505 feet, this structure serves to store and manage water during times of high discharge, with a normal storage capacity of 25 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its functionality.

Managed by private owners, Carlson-Friermuth Detention No. 2 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 556 cubic feet per second. The dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, reflecting its design for efficient water control. Its location in Wabasha County, Minnesota, highlights the importance of water resource management in rural areas, especially with a drainage area of 0.8 square miles and a primary purpose focused on flood risk reduction.

As a part of the larger ecosystem along the Zumbro River, this earth dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in understanding how human-made structures can impact natural water systems. With its moderate risk assessment and compliance with state regulatory agencies, Carlson-Friermuth Detention No. 2 exemplifies the balance between human intervention and environmental conservation in safeguarding communities against the adverse effects of flooding.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

505

Dam Height

23.2

River Or Stream

ZUMBRO RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

89

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.